Tonight I'm working on changing my belts...I had no idea what a pain this was going to be. I got the alternator loosened--that allows me to remove two of the belts (I think I might be able to work them past the fan). I can't seem to figure out the proper method for loosening the a/c unit and the power steering unit. Can anyone direct me to a pictorial or at least give me some hints??

I'm running to Lowes to get some work lights...I'll be back in a bit. Thanks in advance for any help.

A/C compressor: loosen the three long bolts that enter the compressor from the rear. Then there is an adjuster (similar to the alternator) on the left side, forward.

P/S Pump: Loosen bolt at pivot plus two retainer bolts on rear of pump. Adjustment bolt is on left side, near high pressure hose fitting.

He's probably still waiting in line (at the single open register) to pay for the work lights at Lowes....


(I work there part time....not for much longer though thankfully)

Sorry, thread hijack.


Its possible to get the belts past the fan, I've done it before.

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The Lowes down the street from me is never very busy, and I use self checkout. Anyway...

Thanks, Tango. Before I gave up for the night, I got everything loosened but the a/c compressor and I took care of the two alternator belts. Looking at a pic of a new a/c compressor, I see that there are 4 bolt holes. Which of these do I remove or loosen and which one is the pivot? Yeah, I know, I'm pretty clueless.

I wasn't able to locate the tension adjuster, but today I will put the car up on jack stands to get a better look.

Ok, I got all the belts changed. Do I get some kind of medal? A pain but now that I know what's going on, it'll be much quicker and easier next time. If anyone has any v-belt questions, I could probably answer them. Thanks again, Tango.