honeycut_mazda5 Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 The accessibility to the 2.3L engine through the wheel well or from the top does not provide sufficient range of motion for my conventional (non-ratcheting) serpentine belt tool. Are there any established instruments or approaches that are effective in facilitating the process of fastening and unfastening belts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueWING007 Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 I ultimately reduced the size of my customary instrument. If one is seeking a ratcheting alternative, it is worth noting that Harbor Freight has a small long-handled ratchet in the dimensions of 1/4 x 3/8, which has been reported to perform well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honeycut_mazda5 Posted September 16, 2023 Author Share Posted September 16, 2023 I used an adjustable wrench through the wheel well and employed a huge C-clamp against the subframe to facilitate its rotation. The performance of the product was satisfactory, but, it poses a significant risk if it accidentally falls. Based on my own experience, I believe that using extremely long flex head ratchets is a prudent and secure approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xsports Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 The use of a ratchet wrench in conjunction with a secondary closed-ended wrench retrieved from the wheel well was employed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidnightMarauder Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 Indeed, it is the course of action I undertook. I own a device that was formerly used on a different vehicle, although it is incompatible with the CX-7 model. I had to replace the belt when stranded on the roadside and resorted to use a pair of wrenches, with one applied to the tensioner and the other affixed to its terminal end. The spatial constraints inside the engine compartment limit visibility, making it difficult to identify a more optimal alternative while accessing the upper portion of the engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWILB Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 Is there any knowledge on whether the serpentine belt tensioner has a mechanism that allows it to be securely secured in the released position? I am in need of the technique or method to reattach the serpentine belt. I need a way to do this with just one person and I've run out of ideas. In the event that the tensioner is accessed from under the vehicle, the act of rotating the tensioner may hinder the ability to subsequently install the belt manually from an upward position. The complexity arises due to the need of using one arm to sustain the pressure exerted by the tensioner. The obstruction caused by the motor mount while attempting to access the tensioner from the top restricts the range of motion of the ratchet wrench, so impeding its effectiveness. I am interested in exploring the feasibility of using a pin or screwdriver to secure the tensioner in the disengaged state, enabling the installation of the belt, followed by the reapplication of torque on the tensioner and subsequent removal of the locking mechanism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWILB Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 Is there any knowledge on whether the serpentine belt tensioner has a mechanism that allows it to be securely secured in the released position? I am in need of the technique or method to reattach the serpentine belt. I need a means to achieve this with only one person and I've ran out of ideas. In the event that the tensioner is accessed from under the vehicle, the act of rotating the tensioner may hinder the ability to subsequently install the belt manually from an upward position. The complexity arises due to the need of using one arm to sustain the pressure exerted by the tensioner. The obstruction caused by the motor mount while attempting to access the tensioner from the top restricts the range of motion of the ratchet wrench, so impeding its effectiveness. I am interested in exploring the feasibility of using a pin or screwdriver to secure the tensioner in the disengaged state, enabling the installation of the belt, followed by the reapplication of torque on the tensioner and subsequent removal of the locking mechanism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alabbasi Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 I have not seen any locking mechanism in the systems I have encountered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWILB Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 Thank you for your response. I had not before seen a pin-lock mechanism incorporated into a tensioner device. However, it is often more convenient to access the majority of tensioners. I just thought that if I could lock it in place then I could put the belt on easy from top side. Subsequently, proceed to position oneself underneath the vehicle and proceed with the removal of the locking pin subsequent to the installation of the belt. Currently, I am using a wrench to manipulate the tensioner, while concurrently employing a rope to secure the wrench in a fixed position. This ensures that the tensioner is turned to its maximum extent, resulting in the slack position. I am now experiencing difficulty in achieving a proper fit with the belt. I am optimistic that the belt measuring 91-3/16 inches will be suitable for the intended use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VVC-Geeza Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 Thank you for your response. I had not before seen a pin-lock mechanism incorporated into a tensioner device. However, it is often more convenient to access the majority of tensioners. I just thought that if I could lock it in place then I could put the belt on easy from top side. Subsequently, proceed to position oneself underneath the vehicle and proceed with the removal of the locking pin subsequent to the installation of the belt. Currently, I am using a wrench to manipulate the tensioner, while concurrently employing a rope to secure the wrench in a fixed position. This ensures that the tensioner is turned to its maximum extent, resulting in the slack position. I am now experiencing difficulty in achieving a proper fit with the belt. I am optimistic that the belt measuring 91-3/16 inches will be suitable for the intended use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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