Good question. The manual (M:04:01) says 6-10 mm with moderate thumb pressure from the top. So what is moderate and how do you measure the deflection? I use to do it with a long straight edge I had and I used a flat edge to deflect the belt. I found that the best way to assure proper tightening was to do it when the engine is cold. After a few service cycles I retightened the belt with the engine cold. After a few belt replacements I just went with the feel. Usually the belt will slip some if the car has been in the rain and the engine is cold. Otherwise I have had no problems - except a defective belt broke on me once (a Gates). I know it was defective because I could never get the belt quite tight enough. It would not feel tight and it slipped a lot. Before I could replace it split apart and came off. New belt too. So, if a belt seems to be giving a problem replace it. I always carry a new spare - it is just too critical a belt. Harold McElraft - 3354 --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, doctorDHD@xxxx wrote: > > > So what exactly is THE correct way to adjust the tension of a belt? I have > heard and read that you should be able to deflect it about a 1/2", but this > method always makes me wonder about how hard to push on it. > > Also what is the best way / tool to use to apply the tension with. I seems > to remember that on a Dodge I had there was a place to attach a torque wrench > to the alternator so you could actually measure the tension. > > ...It is unlikely you will get the correct tension doing it with the > screwdriver as > tight as you can method. > > > D² & 6530 > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/