Quote:
Originally Posted by CapedCadaver
wait... oh.. you mean just measure off a half-inch of the shaft of the screwdriver and push down with 20lb force... then if the screwdriver went further in than 1/2" than i knew the belt is too loose? but based on how i did it, i think i might have to tighten it anyways... and for me, that means removing the cover, because i don't have a hole in my lower plate and i dont want to make a blind guess at where it is and just start drilling holes in the cover.....
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This verify 'process' is separate from adjustment, fast and easy. Any time a belt car is purchased, this is the first checkup. A belt will last over 15 years - if its tight; however, 5yrs is the right time to swap.
The belt tightness cant be ballistic rocket science: see how many stealership noobies do it globally every day and still success rate is almost 100%. Just observe for no slack and your out of danger zone, ideal force is the 20lb (which can be self learned easily, no tools needed.) Slack means you can raise the belt with no effort like your own belt when its on the floor... Tight belt = trousers wont fall
Thumb turning the belt 90 degrees is also valid non scientific measure.
Overtightening is neither a danger: noise starts quite early, but you really need some forceful jacking to cause the belt to break or cause other damage. Still, listening to any extra noise from there, keeps stomach upset, so...