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ADJUSTMENT

The drive belts should be checked for wear and tension as indicted in the Maintenance Interval charts. If the belt is worn, cracked or frayed, replace it with a new one. To check the belt tension:

Some models may use an adjusting bolt on either the idler pulley (a pulley which is not directly associated with any of the accessories) or on the power steering pump itself. This bolt makes adjustment much easier because you don't have to hold the accessory under a great deal of tension while tightening mounting bolts.

On models where the idler pulley has a lockbolt at its center, simply loosen the lockbolt and then turn the adjusting bolt clockwise to increase belt tension or counterclockwise to decrease it or remove the belt. Just don't forget to retighten the lockbolt when tension is correct, or vibration may cause it be lost. Recheck the tension with the lockbolt tightened and readjust if necessary.

On models with the 4 ridge or 5 ridge ribbed type V-belt driving both the air conditioner and power steering pump, belt tension is much greater. With a used belt, deflection should only be about 14 in.

V-Belts
  1. Apply thumb pressure (about 22 lbs.) to the fan belt midway between the pulleys and check the deflection. I should be approximately 38 in. for new belts and 12 in. for used belts.
  2. To adjust the tension, loosen the alternator mounting bolt and adjusting bolt.
  3. Move the alternator in the direction necessary to loosen or tighten the tension.
  4. Tighten the mounting and adjusting bolts and recheck the tension.
Navajo

The Navajo uses a single accessory drive belt that is tensioned by a spring loaded tensioner, no adjustment is necessary. While there is no adjusting with the automatic tensioner and Poly-V belt used, it may be necessary to check the belt tension if squealing or excessive belt wear is noticed. If deflection is greater than 14 in., the belt probably should be replaced. Before replacement, however, check the accessory component mountings for looseness and check the condition of the automatic tensioner. Repair or replace parts as necessary.

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