Tight Alternator Belt

[George]

I recently bought a new alternator belt for my 1993 Mazda MPV 3.0 L van. It is a Goodyear “Gatorback” belt, different from the old one I took off. I am having a frustrating time trying to get this new one on. It’s shorter than the old one and I am assuming it’s because it is new and the old one has been stretched. I checked with Partsource to make sure it is the right belt for my vehicle and I’m told it is. But there must be a trick to getting it one. I noticed that the old belt sits more snugly into the pulley and the Gatorback one rides a bit high on the pulley; it doesn’t seat as well as the old one did. Would it be a good idea to try to stretch the belt first before putting it on? I have a small bottle jack that might do the trick but I don’t want to damage it either. Is there anyone who might have a trick up their sleeve when it comes to installing tight belts? Thanks.

Topic

[David]

They are normally a little tight when you first get them, make sure the alternator is very loose and pushed in so that there is room to prior it over the pulley.
If it is too tight to go on, I would suggest go and get a oem belt from your mazda dealer as forcing it on can damage your alternator bearing.

[sam priem]

you probly shouldnt try stretching it with a floor jack cause if something were to happen youre stuck with a useless piece of rubber and have to buy a new one. a lot of times newer belts ride slightly higher on the pulley due to the ribs being taller, but by a very small amount. as the belt gets older the ribs wear down making it ride lower. kind of like tire tread. make sure the belt is routed correctly and the alternator is tipped back all the way. hold the 2 belts together and stretch them out horizontally in front of you. if the old belt sags more than an inch below the new belt, its probly the wrong belt.

[George]

Thanks for the responses. I pushed the alternator as far as it could go towards the engine and it was still not enough. Tomorrow, I’ll pick a belt up from the MAZDA dealer and hopefully it will reach. Thanks again for taking the time to pass on your advice.

[George]

I picked up a belt from the Mazda Dealership and it went on without difficulty! Thanks again for sharing your experience. I definitely profited from it!

[EricTheCarGuy]

Sometimes aftermarket parts just don’t cut it.

Thanks for the updates and for using the ETCG forum.

[George]

Thanks for putting this video together, Eric. It’s a good thing I didn’t video tape me trying to install the aftermarket alternator belt I bought for my Mazda. It would have to be censored. I guess the more experience one has, the better you get at choosing which path to go in terms of choosing original vs aftermarket parts.

[Author]

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