belt change

[cbinva]

I own a 2003 matrix xr and was just quoted 110 dollars to change the serpentine belt.I am wondering if this is a do it yourself project or if I shouldnt mess with it. Does anyone have any pointers on doing this thanks

[Smar969905]

i like to do things myself, but i dont get too much into it as i dont always have time, or a good place to do it. when it comes to belts, i dont like to do it myself becuase i dont know just how much to tighten it up with the belt tensioner. this is just me though. i also dont have much experience in working on cars. the people who do a lot of their own work can probably tell you that belts are very easy.

[Kanata_Matrix]

Go to www.matrixowners.com and search on How To forum . I did this myselft. 20 minutes job. Easy.

[echo7]

Originally Posted by Kanata_Matrix

Go to www.matrixowners.com and search on How To forum . I did this myselft. 20 minutes job. Easy.

i wanted to do this myself as well, but how would you know you tigthen it just right?? any noise, performance change, etc... maybe overheating???

[chuckles]

first things first the tensioner on the matrix is automatic (hyraulic)
no overtightning here.

to loosin the puppy you will a 19mm LONG wrench or rachet

take mental note or draw a picture the way the belt goes arnd the pulleys and your all set...

it not that hard but it can be tight for a 1st timer!!!

[cbinva]

Thanks for your reply Chuckles where exactly is this bolt I need to get to and will a socket wrench with a long extension do the trick thanks

[chuckles]

ok above the crank pulley is the tensior....it looks like a an idler pulley with a aluminum bar attached to it on the bar is a 19 mm head ( it not a bolt) turn it counter clock wise that should take the tension off the belt...

regarding the rachet i would use like a cheater bar this slides over the handle to create more levage...that thing is under pretty good tension....
let me know how it goes...

[Kanata_Matrix]

Originally Posted by cbinva

Thanks for your reply Chuckles where exactly is this bolt I need to get to and will a socket wrench with a long extension do the trick thanks

Here is the picture from the manual book :
http://www.bayareamatrix.com/2003Toy...04/x040001.pdf

[cbinva]

Thanks guys now all I need to do is get the wrench to fit it and ill be all set belt was 33 dollars from the dealer so im saving about 80 dollars doing it myself

[mickeykool]

once you have the belt on, do you have to do anything to tighten the belt or u just start up the car and it will tighten up itself? ( i need to change mine as well)

Originally Posted by chuckles

ok above the crank pulley is the tensior....it looks like a an idler pulley with a aluminum bar attached to it on the bar is a 19 mm head ( it not a bolt) turn it counter clock wise that should take the tension off the belt...

regarding the rachet i would use like a cheater bar this slides over the handle to create more levage...that thing is under pretty good tension....
let me know how it goes...

[cbinva]

Havent done it yet but i assume when you retighten the bolt it takes the slack out of the belt im having headlight issues at the moment if you know anything about that let me know

[chuckles]

it not a bolt!!!!
wot it is is a 19 mm head so you can put your 19mm socket, or a REALLY long wrench on it to reverse tension on a really big spring...once you let go of that wrench the spring will asume the orginal position!!!!!!!! NOT A BOLT!