need help asap

[tweety2300]

Ok so water pump belt broke on my way home today and shreded the power steering belt with it. But I can't get the alternator to move so I can put the new one on I tried the little adjuster thing but I can't figure out why it won't move is there another bolt somewhere I don't know about? I loosened the one on the adjuster and I can see it moving but the alternator won't move. Anybody know? Would be nice if mazda would have used a regular tensioner like everybody else. Or is there a how to? I tried searching but all that ever pulls up is useless threads not explaining anything. Thanks for any help

 

[CheeseHelmet]

There's another bolt that's easiest to get to from under the car, you'll see it right away.

 

[tweety2300]

I think I saw one is it also connected to the alternator or is it the bracket. I didn't have a lot of time to mess with it yesterday as its sitting in a parking lot and I didn't have tools on me at the time. Can I reach it without using a jack? If I can get the water pump belt on I can take it home to finish it

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

It's going to be easiest to get to with the car jacked up. Pages 1-10b-4 shows the bolt you are talking about...it's on the alternator, not the bracket.

 

[tweety2300]

Got it finally. What exactly does that bottom bolt do any way? Its definatly a knuckle buster. Thanks for the help guys

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

It's the pivot point for moving the alternator.

 

[tweety2300]

How tight are the belts supposed to be? On my way to work it started screaming almost like tires screaching I'm not sure if they're way too tight or way too loose. Should I be able to jiggle them slightly by hand or should there be no play at all?

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

They're too loose if they're screeching. You should be able to twist them a quarter turn, no more.