Serpentine belt replacement

[1996B4000]

After 30 minutes of busted knuckles, I gave up and put the old belt back on.

1996 Mazda B4000; 120,000 miles, 4spd, 4WD.

Tried to replace the serpentine belt today. I have a 3/8-inch ratchet, 18 inches long, that I stick in the belt tensioner to relive tension on the belt. Removed the old belt, no problem. Wound the new belt in correct position. Using the long ratchet handle, with grandson holding it as far counterclockwise as the tensioner would go, I simply could not get the new belt on. Tried to install it, winding under the top idle roller last, could not get it in place; tried putting in place with last place being over the alternator pulley -- nothing doing. Tried levering it on with big screwdriver. Finally gave up, put the old belt back on, last place was under the top idle roller, went on with a little persuasion.

What is the trick? Should I loosen the alternator mounting bolts to relieve pressure on belt, install belt, then tighten down the alternator?

 

[wollimann]

maybe the new belt is too short, wrong belt? Sometimes alternator pulley's have different outer diameters, if diameter is too big, you could not get the belt over the alternator pulley. If everything matches there should be no problem to get the new belt on, belt tensioner has enough room.
Regards and good luck!

 

[RangerX]

Put one belt on top of the other and check if they are the same length. Maybe the parts store gave you the wrong one?
Check that you have the routing correct, following the diagram on the radiator support.

 

[swshawaii]

Serpentine belt, 1997 B4000: Solved

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