How do I tighten the belt tension of my belts on a 98 Stratus? I'm not sure if it is related to the other topic I posted earlier but someone suggested it.

 

Which belts?

 

The engine belts (serpentine and the other).

 

I have a 97 Strat so I am assuming it is similar. The alternator/crank/AC belt tension is adjusted by the bolt with the fine-pitch threads on the alternator. There are 3 bolts, the pivot bolt, the lock bolt and the tension adjust. You have to loosen the other two before you can adjust tension on this belt.

For the P/S belt (you need to support the car and tackle this from underneath), there are two bolts that have to be loosened before you can adjust this tension and it is a little bit tougher. There is a pivot bolt for the P/S pump and another lock bolt. You have to loosen both before you can adjust tension. Make sure the pump swings freely by hand before continuing. Tension is adjusted by inserting a 3/8" ratchet into the metal P/S pump bracket. There is actually a square hole for doing this. It is not perfectly accessible and the P/S belt will sort of get in the way when you are doing this but you need to give it a quick jerk to swing the pump backwards then tighten either bolt to hold the position. It can be done with one person but might be better with two.

Again, this is for a 97 2.0 liter.

Good luck and be careful if you are getting underneath the car. Make sure it is well supported and have failsafes in place.

 

Thanks, I'll put this into action.