Serpentine belt tension adjustment

Tiny
BILLHENDLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC MONTANA
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 184,000 MILES
I replaced the serpentine belt and it is in properly but I had to pry it on and the tension arm is bottomed out with no resistance left on the arm. This seems extremely tight. I have double checked the length and part number and everything is correct, I attempted to loosen the alternator to give it a little less tension but couldn't figure out how to do it. Is there any way to get some slack in it?
Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 AT 10:57 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

No, there is no way to get more slack.

Are you sure it is routed correctly? I attached a picture of the routing.

If it is correct, you have the wrong belt.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
BILLHENDLER
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Checked part number, checked routing, test drove it 4 mile and now the belt has relaxed a bit. Thanks
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Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 AT 1:12 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 AT 1:15 PM

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