help on drive belt replacement on 97 corolla

[pv805]

Desperately need your help. I just tried to replace the alternator belt in my 97 corolla. I loosened all three bolts: pivot bolt, lock bolt, adjustment bolt. It was difficult to pull the original belt off, but it was even harder to mount the new belt on. I had loosened the adjustment bolt to maximum amount and still could not mount the belt. So I took the pivot bolt and lock bolt off the alternator---the beginning of the nightmare! Yes the new belt was mounted, but I simply could not insert the lock bolt back into the metal brick shared by the adjustment bolt. The brick was moving with the adjustment bolt. Who made the damn thing?? The space was tight. Is there any trick on how to screw the lock belt back? I believe you have to do the same thing when you install a new alternator, so guys can you please help?

[hungt1999]

Using a small prybar can help you move the alternator sufficiently in order to allow you the put back the adjustment bolt

[pv805]

Do you mean that I should pry the alternator toward me which is in a tighter position?

[hungt1999]

I don't remember which direction but I do remember that the alternator can be moved back and forth to allow you to put the bolts, using a tool such as a pry bar.

When I did mine, I did not have a pry bar but I used a wooden broom stick to pry the alternator and that worked for me.