How do you change the alternator belt on a 1997 GEO Prism?

Answer by  f3bandit (23)

Loosen the pulley tensioner. remove the old belt while observing it's path. now install the new belt while repeating the original path of the old worn belt. now slowly re tighten the pulley tensioner to secure the new belt. tighten belt so there will be only a half inch of slack.

Answer by  Brad50 (128)

Your alternator should have two bolts. You will want to loosen them both you should notice one connected to a tensioner. Pull the one with the tensioner back to allow room to take off the old belt. Put your new belt on, then tighten the belt back up by using a crow bar to pry the alternator snug again.

Answer by  coreyeleblanc (56)

You should be able to loosen a couple bolts on the altenator bracket and slide the altenator in towards the center of the engine. remove the old belt, install the new one, slide the altenator in the opposite direction to tighten the belt, re-tighten the bolts you loosened. Done

Answer by  jimbob11 (195)

Most modern vehicles have a serpentine belt system that drives the engine accessories, including the alternator. If your car does, purchase or rent a serpentine belt tool, and use it to turn the belt tensioner. Note how the belt is routed, remove the tension on the belt, remove the old belt and install the new one.

Answer by  thattractorguy (2970)

The alternator will have a bracket behind it. One side of the bracket has a slot in it and a bolt going through it and into the alternator. Loosen this and slide the old belt off. Slide the new belt on and tighten the alternator up.

Answer by  Butters (5)

Remove the negative terminal, loosen the adjusting bolts on the alternator, put the new belt on and then tighten adjusting bolts until the alternator belt is tight.

Answer by  SyNtEcH (108)

Locate the tension pulley, it will be around or on the alternator itself. Loosen it until you can pull the belt off. Replace the belt and tighten it back up.

Answer by  happytimes63 (865)

This is a serpentine belt. Look at belt routing. Find the tensioner. Use correct size socket to turn tensioner which relieves belt pressure. Get help to remove belt with tensioner loosened. Replace belt and release tensioner so belt is tight. Belt routing is usually printed in the engine compartment.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Well you need to find what hold the tension on the belt and loosen it. Sometimes it is a tensioner but other you need to loosen the alternator bracket. The you slide off the old one and on the new one. Making sure to tighten it to factory specs.

Answer by  ryboyd323 (21)

First pop up the hood, hit the safety switch to fully open. Find the alternator and cut off the old belt. release the tension and put on the new one.