tensioning drive belt 97 306 td

geoff tulip · Post by **geoff tulip** » 10 May 2005, 16:24

may fan belt is screaming - before i start and make a mess of it - can i just tension it by tightening on the alternator or is there tensioning pulleys etc to worry about ?

mgoodlad · Post by **mgoodlad** » 12 May 2005, 21:23

Alternator is fixed in place and there is an adjuster pulley which goes up and down to adjust belt tension - from memory there are two alan head bolts to loosen, than a bigger adjuster bolt to make it go up or down. If you put the car up on ramps or jack up and have a good look underneath you should be able to see how it works.
Michael
1996 306 TD 78k miles
1996 106 1.5d 104k miles

arry_b · Post by **arry_b** » 12 May 2005, 21:36

Check that the belt isn't glazed or cracked, it probably is.
While you've got the tensioner undone, it's an ideal chance to replace it. It'll cost under a tenner and take an extra 5 minutes to fit.

arry_b · Post by **arry_b** » 12 May 2005, 21:37

Oh, and you'll need good allen keys to undo the tensioner whether you just tension the belt, or replace it. Use lots of penetrating oil.