How do you tighten a fan belt on a 1995 Geo Metro?

Answer 1

A Geo Metro has up to three drive belts, which should be adjusted as follows: A/C 8-10 mm @ 10 kg (22 lbs) Water Pump and Alternator 5-7 mm @ 10 kg (22 lbs) Power Steering 8-10 mm @ 10 kg (22 lbs) All of these are for newly installed belts. To adjust, you loosen the bolt on the belt adjustor (it it a pulley mounted onto a metal plate which can be adjusted by sliding the adjustor bolt along a track) and move the adjustor out by pushing or prying it away until you can only push on the belt as per the specs. Usually you just push on the belt with your thumb (this is actually what the factory service manual pictures) to check its tension. when it is properly adjusted, tighten the bolt up to 23 N-m (17 foot pounds) so the adjustor won't slip. Used belts have a slightly wider range of adjustment. If you tighten it up and it becomes loose quickly, it's time for a new belt. Never let a old belt break on you and leave you stranded, they cost much less than a tow.