How do I remove drive belt to replace alternator?

[omarsdali]

Hi guys,


I have to replace the alternator in my zx2 and I don't know how to loosen the drive belt. Is there a way to loosen it or do I just take off the alt immediately? Also, can you tell me how I install a new drive belt, I'm thinking of replacing it as well.

I never worked on a car before. So here are picture so you can show on them what to do.

http://omarali.us/zx2/1s.jpg
http://omarali.us/zx2/2s.jpg
http://omarali.us/zx2/3s.jpg
http://omarali.us/zx2/4s.jpg
http://omarali.us/zx2/5s.jpg
http://omarali.us/zx2/6s.jpg

Omar

[NRRACINGCEO]

In the fifth picture there is a tensioner you have to loosen up and it will remove the belt for you. it is the second round shiny thing below the first one.

[tremontinerd]

Also, it is spring loaded. You do not take the bolt off.

[omarsdali]

Also, it is spring loaded. You do not take the bolt off.

Thanks, I was trying to take the bolt off last night but that didn't work. I managed to get the belt off this morning by turning the bolt clockwise.

I managed to remove the three screws that hold the alt. but I cant get it out because the coolant reservoir is in the way. I tried to remove it but the second screw is far inside and the wrench I have can't reach it. Anyone know how I can remove the alt a different way or where I can buy I wrench that will work?

http://omarali.us/zx2/8s.jpg

http://omarali.us/zx2/9s.jpg

[xtremecaraudio]

You can get to it, you just need a long extension to do it. At least that what I did when I replaced mine 2 weeks ago. :)

[fireguy]

you'll want a deep socket 10mm as well as the extension. i don't have one so it's quite a bitch removing it without one..

[fireguy]

you will also wanna print out this belt diagram:

http://teamzx2.com/showthread.php?t=416&highlight=diagram+belt

make sure you got some kind of cheater bar/pipe and/or another set of hands to help you hold the tensioner pulley while you get the belt back on.

[omarsdali]

After I replace the alternator, how do get the car to start? Should I just ask AAA for a jump start? My battery is completly rmpty and I don't want to damage anything. Is doing a jump start safe?

[gunman_sr5]

Jump starts are safe nothing to worry about. If nothing else go buy a booster box and charge it. Use that to jump the car.

[Buster]

After I replace the alternator, how do get the car to start? Should I just ask AAA for a jump start? My battery is completly rmpty and I don't want to damage anything. Is doing a jump start safe?

If your battery is completely drained, there's a very good chance it will not hold a charge in the future and will need replaced.

But, yes, a jump start will do. A full charge would be better if you have access to a charger.


If the battery is still good, the new alternator will charge it as you drive.

[omarsdali]

Thanks


If your battery is completely drained, there's a very good chance it will not hold a charge in the future and will need replaced.

It's a new battery. I realized that I need a new alternator after I drained that battery driving around all day. That's why it has no charge.

[ZX2Fast]

I'm guessing you didn't check the Knowledge Base. Otherwise, you would have seen the how-to for removing the altenator.

[iceracer]

The battery light wasn't on ?

[omarsdali]

The light was flickering at high rpms. >3000. Then it didn't start one day. I called AAA for a jump start and they told me they suspect I need a new battery and they said they have this battery program where they test everything and replace the batt if it's the problem. I called them and when the guy came he just replaced my battery without running any tests(he was kinda in a hurry and arrived late). After he replaced the battery the light stayed on. It ran for one day before the battery was drained. And they refused to refund me. They said he did everything correct and my batt was bad. I hate them. They charged $126. I could've gotten one from wheel works for $82.

[zx2boy7]

If your battery is drained you need to charge it. do not have the alternator charge a totally dead battery you will fry the new alt. most likely

[omarsdali]

If your battery is drained you need to charge it. do not have the alternator charge a totally dead battery you will fry the new alt. most likely

What about letting it charge while I'm driving it ? After I got the jump start I drove it around for 40 minutes. I probably drove it 60 miles after that. That's it.