Mitsubishi Repair: 97 mirage, proper tension, altenator

Question
I have recently replaced the altenator and both belts. The belt towards the rear has fallen off again. What is the easiest way ro replace it and make sure it isn't to tight or to loose that it will not fall off again.  Thanks

Answer
Hello Tamy,

I'm going to go with the layout of my '95 Mirage in my mind...I believe the belt you're talking about is the alternator belt, the 'front' belt being the power steering/AC belt.

The alternator is mounted to the engine with a bolt and a screw.  The bolt acts as a hinge and the screw, in conjunction with the bracket it is threaded through, allows the alternator to be adjusted.

You'll want to loosen the adjusting screw a couple of turns and probably need to loosen the nut on the hinge bolt a couple of turns (there should be no need to remove either); it should now move forward and back with ease. Replace your belt on all applicable pulleys and push your alternator back to tighten the belt. Apply enough pressure so as to adjust the belt to the proper tension (my book doesn't say what that tension is but a parts store or dealership should be able to tell you; I generally give the belt about 1-1.5 inches of play). Tighten the adjusting screw and then the hinge nut and viola ;-), you're done.

And before I forget, as your belts are new, it's not uncommon for them to stretch during the first 5,000 to 10,000 miles of wear(if you start to hear a squeal after a couple of thousand miles that's probably what you're hearing, the need for adjustment). Adjust them again and you should be good.

Good Luck and Have Fun!