Changing belts on 84 deville

sshobe · #1 (**permalink**) 12-07-08, 09:13 PM

I have a 84 deville with the 4.1 in it.... the lower V belt busted and I am trying to replace it but cannot figure out where to release the tension to fit the belt over the pulleys.

This is the lower belt itting over three pulleys and I believe the tension release is on the ac compressor, but short of removing the unit I cannot figure out where to loosen the tension at

Dave S Texas · #2 (**permalink**) 12-07-08, 11:51 PM

On my '87 DeVille/4.1L, there is one surpentine belt running everything. The tension release is attached to the power-steering unit and requires a 1/2" breaker-bar to operate it.

sshobe · #3 (**permalink**) 12-08-08, 03:09 AM

My 84 has three belts.... one going from the alt to the fan, one going from the main engine pulley to the fan then to what I believe is the AC compressor, and then one going from the main to a pump on the top... the second one I mentioned is the one that broke and I am trying to replace.

I need to figure out how to loosen the AC compressor which is where I believe the tension settings is for the belt

carnut · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-08, 08:30 PM

Loosen all bolts securing the compressor. There is a long threaded bolt behind the compressor angled to the right and up. Once ALL bolts are loose, tuning that bolt counter clockwise should allow the compressor to drop. Me thinks not ALL bolts are loose. Make sure you get the smog pump belt very tight or the alternator will slip on the water pump pulley causing a weak or dead battery over time.