Today I went to change my AC/PS belt and lo and behold, the tensioner pulley adjustment bolt snapped while loosening. Even a healthy coat of WD-40 before hand wasn't enough for that rusted piece of junk.

So I finally decided to go with the tensioner removal "mod" by running a smaller belt (490 compared to 510) and using the PS pump as a tensioner. I know this topic has been discussed before, but is there any benefit to using the tensioner pulley? From doing this mod today, it seems like it is 100% useless and is nothing more than a cause of headaches.

Also, what would you all say is the optimal belt tension? I got it pretty tight right now, but if I push in on it I'd say it can flex in about 1/2". Sound about right?

The general rule of thumb is be able to twist it ONLY 90 degrees in the middle of its longest point. I can't remember the exact deflection numbers off the top of my head. When I ran power steering I did what you did and just used the pump as a tensioner. :shrug

i just use 1/2" of play

Thanks guys. Good info on the 90* turn Zac, I'll have to check that tomorrow.

does this "mod" have any negative effects on the life of the PS pump?

Originally posted by bagged420a
does this "mod" have any negative effects on the life of the PS pump?

IMO, no. This is how Neons tension their belt.

no... why do u think it would have adverse effects on the PS pump?

Jus wonderin, if maybe for some odd reason it might add extra stress on the PS. But I reckon the belts have to be tight around it anyways..DUH!

Think about it. Whether you are tensioning down the belt with the PS pump or the tensioner pulley, the same amount of tension will still be in the belt and therefore applied to the pulleys. Really shouldn't make a difference.

PS pump tensioner mod FTW!

Could you take photo of what it looks after you did this mod. This could used as a reference since there isn't a write up for it.

It just looks like the same belt assembly minus the tensioner pulley,and instead of using the stock 510 length belt, you run a 490.

What's the point of this? does it have any benefits or if your tensioner is fine just leave it alone?

if its fine, leave it. if it squeels, you'll have to mess with it. the point of removal is that some people have messed with it for countless hours with no success of the squeel going away. stupid design. so what do you do? remove it, get a shorter belt, and use the PS pump as the tensioner :)