How do you replace the power steering belt on a 1971 Nova 350 engine?

Answer 1

It depends on if you have air cond., or not but its not rocket science either way. You will first, have to remove the main belt, which will will power the alt. an water pump. On the top of the alternate, there will be a bracket, with a slot that has a bolt in it. This is the adjustment for belt tension. First off you should definitely disconnect the positive, ( red), terminal on the battery. [people will argue with that, but its because they are stupid. Normally you would disconnect the neg., but, since you will be touching a wrench, at some point, to the back of the alt. which will ground it, even with the ground disconnected, you would get an spark. Loosten the bottom bolt on the alt. just about 3-4 full turns should do it. Next take the top bolt out completely. Pay attention to the routing of that belt. It should go around the bottom pulley, (crankshaft), around the alt, depending on if it is a Calif car, or not, the smog pump, and, the water pump. (fan) Remove that belt completely. There should be a diagram somewhere on the radiator, or fan shroud, showing the routing. Now, go to the power stering pump. On the side, on one of the brackets, you should see another slot, like on the alt. bracket. That is again you adjustment. Remove that bolt completely, and loosten the other 3 mounting bolts. no need to remove them. If you have air cond., that belt will have to come off first, before p.p. No big deal. Key here is to get the tension correct when reinstalling them. Use a tire iron, or, piece of wood to pry out alt., ect. once belt is back on, before tightening al bolts, to set tension. Compare tension before removal, and get close when reinstalling. If belt squeeks when you rev motor, then it is too loose. Too tight will cayse belt to be extremely hot after shoft trip. If that is a two door, with bucket seats, a four speed, a twelve bolt rear end, and a couple of letters on the side, (SS), you better hang onto her. The same as a Camaro underneath, sub-frame and leaf spring wise. Which means that baby will be worth astronomical prices very soon. Won't take long to catch up with the Camaro's.