jbakyy

Hello, does anyone have any suggestion for tightening the power steering belt for 1971? Thank you

7T1vette

Follow the sequence detailed in the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual. If you do your own maintenance on the C3 and you don't have the CCSM, you NEED to purchase one. That document, along with the 1971 AIM (Assembly Installation Manual) are absolute MUSTS for the DIY mechanic.

P.S. If you need to do this adjustment immediately, I'll attempt to type the procedure in a following post. Let me know.

jbakyy

Oh procedure, uhoh. My belt so loose and twisting, I got new gates belt. I may tackle sun if it is not to much of procedure. Do I need to take hood off? Thanks

NeverTooOld

It is a challenging job. There is the adjustment bolt at the 10 o'clock position and the pinch bolt at the bottom FRONT that has to be loosened. Then to tension the belt do NOT pry against the reservoir or the filler neck because they'll bend. Good luck.

jbakyy

Can you please help with procedure? Thanks

revitup

Hoping that was a bit of good natured sarcasm.

https://www.howacarworks.com/steerin...ing-drive-belt

mrvette

Here is the major part of the problem, back when these sharks were made, the V pitch of the belt was narrower than the new metric belts, and so the new belts tend to ride on the top of the V sides, not on the entire surfaces....you will see the metric belts ride lower in the V of the pulley, and tend to curve our the backside and wear hell outta the top edges

number one is to find an old SAE type belt, you have to ask and it's been years since I faced this issue....I dunno if they made anymore...

HeadsU.P.

You really have to get this thing up in the air on ramps. Its the only safe way to get at the bottom bolt. Using a piece of one by two (1X2) stick, jam it between the pump and block and pry. There is no other way and its not rocket science. The wood stick will cause no harm. When you feel the belt is tight, lock 'er down, crawl under and tighten the other bolt, done.

jbakyy

Thanks, I got a gates belt. So it is challenging or easy? Can someone please help with best procedure?

jbakyy

Thanks, so is it challenging or easy? Can someone please walk me through procedure? Thanks

jbakyy

Thanks, I'm starting to think it is challenging for 1971

jbakyy

Thanks, I am still trying to figure out procedure. Do you know what bolts I need to loosen and best way to pry ps to tighten belt. Thanks

jbakyy

Thanks, I am still trying to figure out procedure. Do you know what bolts I need to loosen and best way to pry ps to tighten belt. Thanks

jbakyy

So I Loosen the 10:00 bolt and bottom front?? I think there is also 8:00 bolt. What is the best way to get to bottom center bolt and tension the belt? Thanks

jbakyy

Thanks, I got ccsm and aim and it's still challenging to figure which bolts to loosen and the best way to pry or tension the belt. Thanks.

HeadsU.P.

Read post 8. Its easy. You are trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Two bolts, loosen, install belt, pry pump with stick, tighten bolts. There are only two bolts on the PS pump. But you have to get the car up on ramps to access the bottom bolt.

jbakyy

Thanks and I realize that, sorry. I'm starting to think the fan shrouding may not be stock because I can't see the lower front center bolt from under the car. Where's the 2nd bolt, in back of the pump??? I can't see any bolts except I think bracket bolts about 8:00 and 10:00 positions. So when I tighten the belt don't I want to push it towards left front wheel. I am having hard time understanding how using a stick between block and pump is going to tighten the belt. Sorry for being such a ps rookie and pain. Thanks

jbakyy

Read post 14, that's a different opinion

jbakyy

I see why it's so easy for you after looking at your 500 hp motor. Thanks

revitup

No offense but I'm thinking your best option would be to swing by your local service station and let them do it. See if they'll let you watch so you can DIY next time. It'll be 20 minutes and $20 well spent.