Technical Auxillary Belt Change - Pointers Please

[AnfielRed118]

I wouldn't profess to be a mechanic at all. Previously i've done front and rear brakes, wishbones, suspension, thermostats and the simple servicing bits. With the help from you guys on this forum, the pointers you give out are fantastic and with the obvious experience of doing the work to your own/other cars i need some help/advice.
I urgently need to replace the auxillary belt on my Weekend 1.8 ELX and having read a few threads, the sooner the better. I've been told that by using a spanner/socket on the tensioner, the tension can be released enough to slip the belt off and then replace with a new one. Is this correct or should i be looking to do it a different way? Also, i believe this is the original tensioner and the car has done 94k but there's no sign of any weakness in the spring or that it's not running "true". Should it be replaced as a precaution?
I'm trying to minimalise garage costs by doing as much of the work myself but what i don't want to do is go about it the wrong way and create a major problem followed by a major cost.
Any pointers from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JoskeJTD]

I wouldn't profess to be a mechanic at all. Previously i've done front and rear brakes, wishbones, suspension, thermostats and the simple servicing bits. With the help from you guys on this forum, the pointers you give out are fantastic and with the obvious experience of doing the work to your own/other cars i need some help/advice.
I urgently need to replace the auxillary belt on my Weekend 1.8 ELX and having read a few threads, the sooner the better. I've been told that by using a spanner/socket on the tensioner, the tension can be released enough to slip the belt off and then replace with a new one. Is this correct or should i be looking to do it a different way? Also, i believe this is the original tensioner and the car has done 94k but there's no sign of any weakness in the spring or that it's not running "true". Should it be replaced as a precaution?
I'm trying to minimalise garage costs by doing as much of the work myself but what i don't want to do is go about it the wrong way and create a major problem followed by a major cost.
Any pointers from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

1. Remove the Drivers Wheel.
2. Remove the plastic trim hiding the auxilary belt.
3. Locate the automatic tensioner.
4. Turn the nut on the automatic tensioner anti clockwise to take pressure off the bely.
5. Remove Belt.

To fit turn the tensioner as described, fit the new belt and let the tension come back to the belt. The correct tension will be applied after the belt has turned through a few revolutions.

To avoid an expensive bill if the tensioner fails I would replace the tensioner. Its approx £40-£50 at shop4parts.co.uk

​

To remove the automatic tensioner there is a bolt lower down that you just undo. Thats it.

 

[AnfielRed118]

Thanks JoskeJTD, superb answer and all the facts i need. Another job for Sunday morning. With regard to the tensioner, when i replace it, does it only go back in one position, i.e. is there a lug or location groove that it sits in/on so it applies the correct tension?

 

[JoskeJTD]

Thanks JoskeJTD, superb answer and all the facts i need. Another job for Sunday morning. With regard to the tensioner, when i replace it, does it only go back in one position, i.e. is there a lug or location groove that it sits in/on so it applies the correct tension?

There is a mounting lug if i remember correctly, so when you fit your new one it'll fit in place perfectly. Then you tighten it up.

In regards to tensioning, its spring loaded, it took two of us to change tensioner and refit new tight belt. Watch your fingers is all i can say and work together.

 

[AnfielRed118]

I'm not able to get hold of a tensioner by the weekend so i'm going to change the belt this week and then do the tensioner next week. I'll have to get hold of a second pair of hands if it's as tricky as you say. Many thanks for the info, much appreciated.

 

[Renegade_8]

Not sure that the auxilliary belt is such a crucial component. If it fails you will lose power steering is the biggest problem as this may be a safety issue. Certainly the Marea is very heavy to steer with the engine off( I sometimes coast mine a few yards down the drive steering unlocked but without firing up the engine si I know. ) The auxilliary belt does seem to last very well.