How to tighten power steering belt on 2002 V6?

[hans747]

Like an idiot, i lent my service manual to a friend, and I can't remember how to tighten my power steering belt. I've loosened the 12 mm bolt that locks the PS pump in in place. But how to I increase the tension? This is killing me, because I replaced the timing belt in July. I guess I've since killed the brain cells that I used when i put the power steering belt back on.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Yuko]

The 2002 V6 should be the carryover 1MZ-FE

Remove the FR wheel and splash shield off, makes the job easier. There should be two bolts on the P/S pumps, a upper pivot bolt and a lower adjusting bolt. Loosen both bolts (I just loosen the adjusting bolt). To increase tension, placed a pry bar between the base/side of the pump and engine and push to move the pump away from the engine. The belt should get tighter and lock down the bolts before removing the pry bar. Might as well put on a new belt since they are cheap.

This is the best picture I can find.

[hans747]

Thanks, for the info! So it's not like the other belt that uses a screw-type tensioner (i.e, tighten the bolt, and it moves the bolt.

So the pivot bolt is located higher? Okay, now I know where I'm going to look.

The belt is pretty new, and there's a ton of adjustment left in it. So I'm going to hod onto it (for now).

[Yuko]

No problem Just be careful when using the pry bar. I'm not sure how strong these pump housings are.