Loose alternator belt, how do I tighten it???
 

Does anyone have any links/resources for how to tighten the fan/alternator belt on my '82 240d? I took the fan and pulley off to put in a new vacuum pump and now the belt is very loose and the alternator is not working properly and the steering wheel squeaks terribly.
Thanks!!

The alternator mounting bolts must first be loosened, then the adjuster can be operated to achieve proper belt tension. When the proper tension is reached, the mounting bolts can be re-tightened. Its quite a simple setup.

If you jack up the front of the car and crawl under, the 17mm bolts are easy to see and work on. Dont tighten the belt too much. I keep mine just beyond the "where they squeal, now and then" point.;)

You may find something using the search function, try v belt tensioning.

Is this image correct, i.e. is it just the 3 17mm bolts on the back?

Tightening the alternator won't stop the steering wheel squeal. You'll need to tighten the power steering pump belt to do that.

Yep. Perhaps the belt is worn? Make sure none of the belts are too tight, that can lead to catastrophic failure of the crank pulley.

I loosened the three bolts holding the alternator on and tensioned the belt, tightened the 3 17mm bolts again, then tightened the tension bolt 1/2 turn, and it did nothing, the belt is still very loose. Am I missing something?

Is this the same belt?
Does the alt move when you adjust it?

I'm confused. Why did you tighten the tension bolt after you tightened the 17mm bolts? Did you tighten the tension bolt when the 17mm bolts were loose?

Its the alternator belt. I loosened the three 17mm bolts first, then tightened the tensioner, then tightened up the 17mm bolts and it was still loose. I'm not sure if I should have tensioned it more, but it started to make a "breaking noise" so I stopped.