Is it reccomended to have a belt tension gauge to replace the drive belt? If not, what method do you use?

 

It's important to have the proper tension on the drive belts. There is a tensioner on each belt to adjust it, and I've attached a diagram of the belts and their tension points (from the ESM). A similar diagram is in your owner's manual.
One thumbnail shows the drive belts and deflection points, the other thumbnail shows the specs and limits.
G/L
C.

 

thanks for your reply. I'm gonna see how much they want for the gauge and based on that, decide if I want to buy it. If it's more than $80 (I bet it is), I'm not gonna bother.

What I usually do is measure the deflection with a ruler. I once heard that the rule of thumb is 1/4" deflection for 7" to 14" between pullies. I've been using that method with good luck so far, but if I can be more accurate for a reasonable price, I'm all for it.

 

As you can see from the charts, with 22 lbs. force, you should get about 4 or 5mm of deflection on the Alternator/power steering belt, and about 8 or 9mm of deflection on the Air conditioning compressor belt.
That's pretty darn tight by comparison to other belts and typical of surpentines.
Judgeing from other tools I've priced, their deflection gauge would be very expensive. By all means check anyway, but don't be surprised.
Why not set the belts yourself as best you can, and have the dealer check them? He would prolly know by manually checking if they were good or not, and may even use his deflection gauge to be sure
C.

 

my question is.....how the hell do you get to them! Our engine is so big I would be stuck. Im so used to my lil 240sx with so much room!

 

Just a update, I purchased the gauge. Off hand I don't recall how much I spent, but not much more than $100.

It's not a bad tool, but it's short and stubby which makes it hard to use it on other cars. The one I saw in the honda manual looks like it would be more versatile, but I don't know where anyone could just purchase purchase honda tools