Drive Belt Tension Pulley ...

[2006mazdaspeed6]

While changing to oil I found that my Drive Belt is shot ... Split all the way down the middle. See attached pic. Any chance I can relieve the tension from the idler pulley without having to pull the splash shield and wheel off? I think I can get an open end wrench on it from the side/front, but how much leverage will I need in order to get the belt off?

[LBV]

Looks like you got a pebble in there ... seen it happen before.

I found I needed a lot of leverage ... search for me with the word "tensioner" ... should find more info from me and others.

[Firestonemazda]

use an angled, close ended 14mm, and reach down from the top right by the alternator. With your left hand, you should be able to get the closed end on the bolt, (with the angle going towards the driver side), and pull up enough to remove the belt. Ive done this several times, no need to even jack the car up, or remove anything from underneath.

[2006mazdaspeed6]

QUOTE (firestonemazda @ Apr 17 2009, 07:25 AM)

use an angled, close ended 14mm, and reach down from the top right by the alternator. With your left hand, you should be able to get the closed end on the bolt, (with the angle going towards the driver side), and pull up enough to remove the belt. Ive done this several times, no need to even jack the car up, or remove anything from underneath.[/b]

14mm? are we talking about the bolt in the center of the idler pulley? there's no way mine is 14mm. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong pulley, but I'm pretty sure I'm not.

[LBV]

QUOTE (firestonemazda @ Apr 17 2009, 11:25 AM)

use an angled, close ended 14mm, and reach down from the top right by the alternator. With your left hand, you should be able to get the closed end on the bolt, (with the angle going towards the driver side), and pull up enough to remove the belt. Ive done this several times, no need to even jack the car up, or remove anything from underneath.[/b]

Was getting the new belt on just as easy? Obviously will have to push down on the wrench ... maybe use a 2x4 to push down? Either way, may need an extra pair of hands.

[2006mazdaspeed6]

This is what the tensioner looks like ... stole the pic from another thread. The bolt in the middle is what the manual says I need to grab onto ... def not 14mm.

Am i missing something?

[Firestonemazda]

Its a 14mm. I'm not sure if there's more than one tensioner (I doubt it), but the one that I've used is a 14mm, and it is visible from the TOP, just to the right of the alternator pulley.

And you have to pull it up installing the belt as well. The tensioner gives slack when you pull up.

[2006mazdaspeed6]

i think I am looking at the wrong pulley ... I just went out to take a quick look ... I was looking at an idler pulley towards the top of the motor. When I looked down further, near the alternator there is another pulley .. that one looks to have a 14mm bolt on it. I assume that's the one?

I thought it was Pulley 1 in the diagram ... the alternator I think is #2 right? the tensioner is next to that one. That sure would explain it ... doh!

[LBV]

QUOTE (firestonemazda @ Apr 17 2009, 01:15 PM)

And you have to pull it up installing the belt as well. The tensioner gives slack when you pull up.[/b]

Man, epic "duh" on my part lol.

[Firestonemazda]

QUOTE (2006mazdaspeed6 @ Apr 17 2009, 11:25 AM)

i think I am looking at the wrong pulley ... I just went out to take a quick look ... I was looking at an idler pulley towards the top of the motor. When I looked down further, near the alternator there is another pulley .. that one looks to have a 14mm bolt on it. I assume that's the one?

I thought it was Pulley 1 in the diagram ... the alternator I think is #2 right? the tensioner is next to that one. That sure would explain it ... doh! [/b]

#2 is the tensioner, alternator would be top left

QUOTE (LBV @ Apr 17 2009, 01:21 PM)

Man, epic "duh" on my part lol.[/b]

i didnt want to say anything...lol but since you did, yea.. "duh"