(T) Changing the Alternator belt

Hi there,

Seen a few post talking about changing of the alternator belt, mines started to screech loud, and is really starting to bug. Reading these other posts, people talk about using a special tool, as the belt itself has no tensioning adjuster, a new belt seems to be the only fix. Just wondering, has anyone tried changing the belt, without using the special tool... if so, is it difficult to do, did anyone encounter any problems and does anyone strongly advise not attempting without proper tool?

Thanks

Gregg

I think I posted on that some where and looks like you read my post along with others ...I am guessing that this tool is nothing more than some kind of lever to skip the belt over the pulley as you turn it

I know it' not the answer you wanted, but rather a warning. Make sure you change it before it's too late. The belt on my old Punto snapped, or rather exploded. It went with so much force that it blew off, and took out an entire wiring loom with it. It only took a new belt and some crimps to fix, but it could be MUCH worse!

Yes the "special tool" is just something to prise the belt on whilst turning the pulley without getting your fingers caught. You can devise your own method by getting something to turn one pulley with, like a long handled socket, whilst you prise the belt on the other pulley, watch your fingers though. I would advise removing all the spark plugs to take away engine compression as it makes the job easier. Access isn't great and a new belt will be pretty tight until its stretched