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Serpentine belt tension

Tiny
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 1.6L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 228,654 MILES
I replaced harmonic balancer and serpentine belt. I test drove it seemed fine. Then I noticed a burn rubber smell. The same smell when the belt snaps off. I checked under the hood looks fine. I think I have the bolt too tight on the side where the pulley is 14mm bolt not the 8mm bolt that's in front under the bumper. The tension bolt is good and locking nut is good. Just wanted to double check. Do I have the 14mm bolt that's on the pulley, should I have it on snug or just finger tighten like. I'm assuming the 8mm bolt is the last part where I ease up or make adjustments at that point. Thank you for your help and expertise.
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 6:09 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

I'm showing two belts on this vehicle. Is that what you have? Take a look at pic 1 and let me know. Also, I highlighted the adjuster. Once it is adjusted, the other bolts need to be tight. They prevent it from moving.

Also, if the belt was loose, you would hear a squealing. Do me a favor. Start the engine and open the hood. See if there is anything that seems to be dragging or not turning. If you are getting a burning smell from it, something is not turning properly and heating the belt.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
AZDANNO04
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  • 283 POSTS
It has two belts and with A/C compressor. On the second image where you highlighted the adjuster. Now does that go for the same with the idler pulley I had ease off of that one and didn't smell any burning rubber. I felt that I did tighten that one a bit.
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Thursday, December 17th, 2020 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
If they are too tight, it usually will either cause a bearing to fail in one of the accessories or the belt will break. Since you loosened the one, is the smell gone? Is there any noise indicating it's too loose?

Let me know.
Joe
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Thursday, December 17th, 2020 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 283 POSTS
The smell is gone and checked while vehicle was running everything seemed to be moving. I think I loosened too much since it squeaks when the wheel is all turned when I back out of driveway in the morning. I will tighten little by little and check it.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 283 POSTS
Tighten the 8mm adjuster tension bolt. I meant to say.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Sounds good. I'm glad you're getting it going. Feel free to let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 11:03 PM
Tiny
AZDANNO04
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Will do, thank you very much Joe.
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 12:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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You're very welcome.

Have a nice Christmas.

Joe
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 3:30 PM

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