Belts

Inspect the belts for signs of glazing or cracking. A glazed belt will be perfectly smooth from slippage, while a good belt will have a slight texture of fabric visible. Cracks will usually start at the inner edge of the belt and run outward. All worn or damaged drive belts should be replaced immediately. It is best to replace all drive belts at one time, as a preventive maintenance measure, during this service operation.

Fig. 1: There are typically 3 types of accessory drive belts found on vehicles today

Fig. 2: An example of a healthy drive belt

Fig. 3: Deep cracks in this belt will cause flex, building up heat that will eventually lead to belt failure

Fig. 4: The cover of this belt is worn, exposing the critical reinforcing cords to excessive wear

Fig. 5: Installing too wide a belt can result in serious belt wear and/or breakage

1990–94 Vehicles

Check the drive belts for cracks, fraying, wear and proper tension every 6,000 miles. It is recommended that the belts be replaced every 24 months or 24,000 miles.

Place a straight-edge along the top edge of the belt and across 2 pulleys. Allow both ends of the straight-edge to rest on top of each pulley for support.

Fig. 6: Measuring the drive belt deflection using the straight edge method

Fig. 7: Use a suitable tension gauge to check for correct belt tension
Measure the deflection of the belt from the straight-edge with a force of about 22 lbs. (100 N) applied midway between the 2 pulleys. Deflection should measure as follows:
Air Conditioning Compressor Drive Belt
- 1.8L engine — 0.160–0.200 in. (4.0–5.0mm)
- 2.0L engine — 0.180–0.200 in. (4.5–5.0mm)
Alternator/Water Pump Drive Belt
- 1.8L engine — 0.315–0.433 in. (8.0–11.0mm)
- 2.0L engine — 0.354–0.453 in. (9.0–11.5mm)
Belt tension can also be checked with a tension gauge. Measure the belt tension between any 2 pulleys. The desired value should be 55–110 lbs. (250–500 N).

1995-98 Vehicles

Place a straight-edge along the top edge of the belt and across 2 pulleys. Allow both ends of the straight-edge to rest on top of each pulley for support.

Measure the deflection of the belt from the straight-edge with a force of about 22 lbs. (100 N) applied midway between the 2 pulleys. Deflection should measure as follows:

Fig. 8: Use a force of about 22 lbs. to measure belt deflection — 1995–98 2.0L non-turbo engines

Fig. 9: You can also measure belt tension with a proper gauge

Alternator/Water Pump Drive Belt

2.0L non-turbo engine — 0.35–0.47 in. (9.0–12.0mm)
2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines — 0.35–0.45 in. (9.0–11.5mm)

Power Steering Pump Drive Belt

2.0L non-turbo engine — 0.39–0.43 in. (10.0–11.0mm)

2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines — 0.22–0.32 in. (5.5–8.0mm)

Fig. 10: Checking deflection of the power steering pump drive belt — 1995–98 2.0L non-turbo engines

Fig. 11: Checking deflection of the power steering pump drive belt — 1995–98 2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines

Belt tension can also be checked with a tension gauge. Measure the belt tension between any 2 pulleys. The desired tension value should be as follows:
Alternator/Water Pump Drive Belt
- 2.0L non-turbo engine — 90–110 lbs. (400–490 N)
- 2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines — 55.1–110.2 (245–490 N)
Power Steering Pump Drive Belt
- 2.0L non-turbo engine — 92.6–114.6 lbs. (412–510mm)
- 2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines — 55.1–110.2 lbs. (245–490 N)

Belts

INSPECTION

1990–94 Vehicles

1995-98 Vehicles