I am trying to change my alternator belt.. After trying to loosen the nut on the lower pivot point of the alt. it fells like the bolt is going to snap. I was reading on se-r.net and they dont say anything about loosening the pivot bolt.. they say just beat it with a hammer or pry on it. I've changed many a belts on alot of cars and have always loosened the pivot bolt. Should I listen to se-r.net and just pry the alt. or continue trying to loosen the 17mm nut.. I have to use a wrench and a cheater bar and it barely moves..it really feels like it is going to snap the bolt.. What should I do? any help will be much appreciated..
btw its a 97 se-r with 59k miles on it..
tia

I know someone has changed their alt. belt before.. What did you do? loosen or just pry? anyone? anyone at all?

Follow the FSM, or the SE-R.net's procedure! Or you could do a search...

I didn't have to loosen that bolt, but I did have to hit the living hell out of the bracket to get it to budge. I thought that stupid thing would never move. I used an old extension and alot of angst to get it.

Originally posted by sr20ser
Follow the FSM, or the SE-R.net's procedure! Or you could do a search...

I don't have a fsm, se-r.net's procedure seemed odd to me that you wouldnt loosen the lower bolt., and I did a search and didnt find anything.. so thanks for your help smartass

I always loosen the pivot bolt. But I've never had the problem you describe. I've always used a closed end 17mm wrench and nothing else (no extensions, etc.).

I don't know how you are getting to it, but I used the closed end wrench from the bottom of the car.

i am usingf a closed end wrench from the bottom of my car as well... I know the bolt has never been loose before, I am just hoping it wont snap.. I will try to loosen the pivot bolt some more and hope for the best.. Thank you for your help.. any other tips and suggestions are still very much welcome and appreciated.

well I did it... After a couple *snaps and pops* the 17mm nut came loose with out breaking the bolt.. it was smooth sailing from there.. The powersteering belt is suprisingly easy as I was expecting a nightmare from reading posts on them.. Oh well all matters solved and I thank both of you for your help and suggestions..Thanks again