Belt replacement
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Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Canton Michigan
Belt replacement
How hard is it for a mechanically inclined person to replace all the belts on a 1981 ? Any videos out there for this project. A mechanic wants about $400 to do it. Says it’s a half day job for him. He said the belts you get may not fit and you have to keep going back to the store
Melting Slicks
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Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Canton Michigan
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How hard is it for a mechanically inclined person to replace all the belts on a 1981 ? Any videos out there for this project. A mechanic wants about $400 to do it. Says it’s a half day job for him. He said the belts you get may not fit and you have to keep going back to the store
I would avoid and not have that mechanic touch my car with that kind of a "Rip Off" price quoted to you. I would not trust that mechanic with my car or wallet $$$$$.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
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Since it seems like you haven't done this before I suggest taking a few (or a lot) of pictures so that you can see the routing. We can find the routing in the AIM later, but if you take the pictures it will easier on you anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
A half a day job. That's 30 minutes actual work. And three and half hours counting the money he stole off of some sap. Ridiculous! Obviously, this is some clown that has never done it before. The belts themselves run around $20 a piece or less.
First thing you do is take some masking tape and a Sharpie felt pen and "tag" every belt. Not only what it goes to (ALT. PS A/C W.P.) but also tag it as to what position it is on the pullies. Front, middle, back.
These notes will be your future reference for new belts and installing correctly. Then loosen all brackets, adjustment bolts /nuts. Slip the belts over the fan blades and into the shroud to remove. P.S. belt comes off easier. ALT belt needs to be at least half inch shorter.
A long half inch drive extension works wonders on the ALT pivot bolt. The P.S. pivot bolts can be reached from under the elevated car.
When you are ready to tighten the belts up, a wooden 2" X 2" stick will pry the pump, ALT & A/C without damage to any of them.
Its easy. You can do this.
First thing you do is take some masking tape and a Sharpie felt pen and "tag" every belt. Not only what it goes to (ALT. PS A/C W.P.) but also tag it as to what position it is on the pullies. Front, middle, back.
These notes will be your future reference for new belts and installing correctly. Then loosen all brackets, adjustment bolts /nuts. Slip the belts over the fan blades and into the shroud to remove. P.S. belt comes off easier. ALT belt needs to be at least half inch shorter.
A long half inch drive extension works wonders on the ALT pivot bolt. The P.S. pivot bolts can be reached from under the elevated car.
When you are ready to tighten the belts up, a wooden 2" X 2" stick will pry the pump, ALT & A/C without damage to any of them.
Its easy. You can do this.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Apr 18, 2020 at 08:06 PM.
