Thanks to the DYI, I was able to change my AC and ALT belts with easy; however, after the inital change, I started my engine and everything seemed fine. After I reassembled everything and put the last screw in, I started the engine and it squeeled! Does that mean my tension is too loose or too tight? What's the best way to determine the correct amount of tension.

Thanks.

 

The tension may be too tight. The rule of thumb on many cars, I believe, is being able to depress the center of the belt about half an inch. Be sure all the pulleys are aligned, that is, that the belt is all in one plane, otherwise it will squeal and come off or wear too fast. I am sure some of the real mechanics here will have more specifics. Good luck.

 

Dun quote me on this, but too loose may cause some squeeling problems too...

Moreover, I just had a bad squeel last week in one of a cold'er' startup... I was like: "uh oh, not again" since I had that problem two years ago when I first had my car...which was fixed by the stealership saying the tension is not "right" lol....

I should have asked whether it was too tight or loose...

 

There is a spec for it, which I don't have at hand, but I'd suggest you go to another G and compare its belt tension to your own (in the same part of the belt).
It will at least give you some idea as to whether it's tight or loose.

I do know that spec. tightness is very tight.

C.

 

I know the main belt should have between 1/4 and 1/2 turn of play, I'm not sure about the A/C belt. They may loosen up enough to squeal after some driving and need re-tightened, it's normal.