Drive and Accessory Belt Replacement

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this is a straight-forward service procedure that executes just as it is described in the service manual, which you can download on this site.

TOOLS

3\8 rachet 2" extension 10mm socket 12mm socket 14mm socket WD 40 or similar lube/solvent

Run your Z up on ramps or jack and jack stands. USE THE JACK POINTS DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE MANUAL! The underbelly of this vehicle is soft

PROCEDURE

With the 10mm socket and rachet remove the center undertray there are approximately 15 10mm bolts and one plastic clip in the center. The clip can be tricky - use a small screwdriver or your fingernails to lift the center button of the clip, then extract.

After removing the undertray locate the two idler wheels. One is just to the right of the alternator, the other just to the left of the A/C compressor. There is a nut at the center of each wheel and a bolt underneath each one that acts as tensioners. Hit each nut and bolt with a shot of solvent and let it soak in for a few minutes.

Now use the 12mm socket and rachet to loosen the center nuts a few turns - do not remove them. Next loosen the bolts under each wheel, these lower each wheel away from the other pulleys, reducing belt tension. Remove the two belts.

Compare the belts you bought with the old belts to make sure you have the correct parts. Then install the belts in the reverse order your removed them.

The smaller A/C belt slides on first, then the larger alternator, water pump belt. Be certain belt grooves are seated in their proper places on the pulley wheels.

Retighten idler arm bolts first. (NOTE: While the factory has issued torque settings for these nuts and bolts according to the service manual, I did not find them and used belt tension as my guide. I pulled and pushed on each belt and used about 1/4 inch of deflection each way as my perameters. The belts I removed were OEM and had that same amount of deflection.

When the belts are tight and idler wheel tension is set, retighten the idler wheel center nuts. These feel like they have a positive stop.

Clear the fanbelt area of tools, rags and fingers - start your Z and engage the A/C. Check for quiet operation.

Reattach underpan.