Help on changing belts on '89 200Q

[Brett Dikeman]

At 9:04 PM -0400 9/3/04, Larry C Leung wrote:

>I was trying to change the accessory drive belts on my 200Q and 
>found I cannot get enough adjustment out  of the adjusters to either 
>remove the A/C belt, or put on new (proper ContiTech) belts. I am 
>aware of the
>adjuster "gear nuts" (too bad they aren't beer nuts), but the one on 
>the alternator skips teeth no matter where I set the lockbolt. 
>Anyone  know how I can get more range from the adjusters (and 
>possibly overcome a non-working gear nut adjuster?)

If I remember correctly (it was 2-3 years ago) you have to actually 
-remove- ALL of the lower bolts on the A/C compressor, leaving the 
top 'pivot' bolts loose; it'll clunk in another little bit with each 
one that comes out.

The whole belt installation bit was incredibly frustrating the first 
time I did it- I feel your pain.  The adjustment bolt is also a total 
clown setup.  You probably need a new gear- the teeth might have been 
stripped right off.

Tip- if you do get a replacement, get both a new lock bolt and the 
toothed bit.  Before installation, coat the lock bolt shaft, at least 
the depth of the toothed belt, with anti-seize.  Otherwise, the bolts 
will corrode and make life a royal PITA as the toothed gear will form 
an interference fit with the threads of the lock bolt.

Brett
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