Drive Belt Replacement, Alternator

[Sporty2000V6]

I've got a 2000 V6 manual. I need to replace my drive belt. Only problem is trying to get something small enough but strong enough in that tiny space to pull the tensioner back and release the belt. Any suggestions on the best tool to use? Haynes manual says 3/8" breaker bar which I don't have on site. What do you think?

Also, my headlights are starting to dim as my RPMs drop. I know a little bit of this is to be expected from higher output alternators, but it is becoming very noticable now. I have 151,000 miles on this alternator (original). Should I just replace it and be done with it, or check something else first?

Thanks!

 

[Tony2005]

To remove/replace serpentine belt, you can use the (1) breaker bar (2)special tool from Autozone or Advance (3) push tensioner down with back (handle) of hammer.
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/1b/be/f3/0900823d801bbef3.jsp

If you are doing it alone, you might want to use some duct tape to tape it up so that it doesn't fall off while you are trying to align it or while you are trying to get the ratchet into the hole.

151K miles is a long time for an alternator. Time for new one.
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/s...d=allposts&Main=838883&Search=true#Post838883

 

[Sporty2000V6]

Easy Way To Change Belt

Easy Way To Change Belt

After much work, I found the easiest way to change the serpentine belt (drive belt, air conditiong belt, whatever you want to call it) is to get the belt tool at an auto parts store, or buy it at Sears for $30. If you work on more than one vehicle, it might be a good investment.

It saved me a lot of time, and kept me from having to pay a mechanic for something so simple. Took about 15 minutes once I figured out what I was doing, most of that time was spent aligning the belt.

Note: On my 2000 2.5L DOHC, I found that if you disconnect the grounding wire on the engine mount where the belt tool pivots, it will give you just a little more leverage, especially if you bent the bar a little while pulling it back. Just be sure you reconnect the wire. It also helps to have something holding your hood open so the support rod isn't in your way.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...Automotive+Specialty+Tools&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Hope this helps someone who is in the same boat I was in!