How do you get the AC compressor belt off to get the alternator belt on?

Answer 1

This was hard to do on my 1986 2.5L 4-cylinder because in order to put the new alternator belt on... you have to get the AC belt off... to replace either belt you have to remove both. first what you have to do is loosen up the 2 pivot bolts on the AC compressor from underneath the car.. mine were pretty stubborn but i eventually got em to budge... once you can move the AC, remove the crank/water pump/AC belt. then loosen up the alternator pivot bolt located on the underside of the alternator...(this can be done from either top or bottom) once you can move the alternator.. slip the belt onto the alternator pulley and around the water pump and crank. then tighten the alternator pivot bolts while putting as much possible tension onto the belt and re-tighten alternator into place. then put or replace crank/water pump/AC belt and re-tighten the AC while putting as much possible tension on the belt by pushing the AC forward with a pry bar or screwdriver. then tension up the belts so they give no more than 1/2" when you pull them at the midpoints of their spans.