To check the power steering pump drive belt, perform the following steps.
1. Check the belt tension. A correctly tensioned belt should turn 90° with a finger force of 15-20 N (1.5-2 kgf). If after checking the belt tension does not meet the required conditions, the belt must be replaced.
2. Check the condition of the belt by visual inspection. If the belt shows signs of severe wear or is oily, replace it.
To replace the power steering pump drive belt, perform the following operations.
You will need: a knife and a special device for installing the belt.
Note: According to the manufacturer's recommendations, the power steering pump drive belt should be cut with a knife for removal, after which it becomes unusable. This is explained by the fact that even after removal without damage, the belt cannot be reused, since it is designed only for one-time stretching when put on the pulleys (belt tension adjustment is not provided).
1. Remove the power steering pump drive belt by cutting it with a knife.
2. Wipe the power steering pump pulleys and crankshaft pulleys with a clean rag to prevent the power steering pump drive belt from slipping during installation.
3. Install the power steering pump drive belt installation tool onto the crankshaft pulley.
4. Place the new belt on the power steering pump pulley and install it on the mounting fixture.
5. Set the gearshift lever to neutral position.
6. Turn the engine crankshaft clockwise using the pulley mounting bolt, while simultaneously guiding the belt into the pulley groove until the belt is placed on the pulley (at this point the belt tension will loosen).
7. Turn the crankshaft to a position where the mounting tool is not pinched by the belt and remove the tool.
Note: The power steering pump drive belt mounting device is single-use, as it is deformed during installation.
8. Turn the crankshaft a few revolutions and check that the belt is positioned correctly in the pulley grooves. If necessary, reinstall the belt.
[The original article is on the website «ChevyMan»]