How do you replace the alternator belt on a 2000 Mazda Protege?

Answer 1

Remove alternator/water pump belt on Mazda Protégé 2000 DX 1.6L engine with A/C. This involves removing the A/C and Power Steering belt first. You'll need a 10, 12 and 14 mm box end wrenches and/or sockets.

1. Jack up car on passenger side front or drive onto ramps. Secure automobile in a safe condition.
2. Remove right hand air shield under car, so that you have clear access to underside of engine on right side
3. Locate pully tensioner on A/C and loosen three bolts: tensioner bolt, bolt on the slider and the bolt on the pivot point. This last bolt may be hidden behind the A/C pulley.
4. If the A/C pump does not drop of it’s own accord, use a piece of wood and a rubber mallet to move it down enough to remove the outer belt.
5. Locate the pully tensioner on the alternator and loosen the tensioner bolt and the bolt on the alternator slider. The alternator pivot bolt is under the alternator, on the inside of the alternator. It can be reached from the bottom, above the axle half-shaft

To install, just reverse the process. It took me about 3 hours total.