[UnknownJinX]

I actually swapped out my old Mazda3's A/C belt(which is also a stretch belt) with a zip tie, some slow rotations on the crank bolt, and finally just cranking the engine for a split second. If you have enough leverage with your ratchet wrench, you don't need to use the starter. The video below is pretty good for a demonstration.

https://youtu.be/pZLcDRRfdew?t=397

Naturally, if you can get the tool then that's better, but if you don't, zip ties will do.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by easttxss

It’s a tight fit but it works. No tool for the LT


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Yeah I tried doing this today and no way…?!? I’m guessing maybe it’s a two person job?

[L78toLT1]

Originally Posted by TJay74

Ever think that maybe they had other cars on the lifts torn down to the point that they couldnt get your car back into the shop?

In order to change the AC belt the main belt has to be removed first as the AC belt rides behind it. That isnt taking into account if anything else needs to come off to get access to the tensioner that holds the belts on.

Personally I wouldnt had taken the car in for a shredded AC belt. I would had ordered a new Gates belt from the local parts store and replaced it myself and check belt alignment from there as well.

Check back with us after you've replaced your ac belt. Replacing this belt is incredibly difficult, and next to impossible without the proper stretchy belt installation tool. It's no problem rolling a used belt back on, but installing a new belt is a whole new ballgame.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by L78toLT1

Check back with us after you've replaced your ac belt. Replacing this belt is incredibly difficult, and next to impossible without the proper stretchy belt installation tool. It's no problem rolling a used belt back on, but installing a new belt is a whole new ballgame.

I have the “stretchy belt tool” but see no way to make it work with the ATI damper…?

[L78toLT1]

Originally Posted by leadfoot93

Here is how you re-install the ac belt.

I honestly do not think you would ever prevail using this method with a new belt, a used one you can easily jump onto either the ac or balancer pulleys.

[L78toLT1]

Originally Posted by Joshinator99

Thanks for this @leadfoot93! I bought a stretchy belt install tool but there didn’t seem to be any room to use it, so this procedure makes sense.

I got a BMW belt tool off of Amazon that another member recommended in a thread from years past. I had to grind the hell out of it to get it to clear, but it works great. Loaner tools from various auto parts stores didn't work.

[easttxss]

I have done it, with a new belt, using the 'tool-less' GM method that was posted earlier. Belt goes around the compressor, under the balancer then slips between the balancer and the timing cover. Rotate motor clockwise to roll the belt up and onto the balancer.

[L78toLT1]

Originally Posted by easttxss

I have done it, with a new belt, using the 'tool-less' GM method that was posted earlier. Belt goes around the compressor, under the balancer then slips between the balancer and the timing cover. Rotate motor clockwise to roll the belt up and onto the balancer.

I'll have to try the gm method on my next belt change. I don't think I tried fully installing the belt on the compressor pulley and jumping onto the balancer. As for the zip tie method, neither the compressor or stock LT4 balancer pulley have a hole to thread the zip ties thru.

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by L78toLT1

I'll have to try the gm method on my next belt change. I don't think I tried fully installing the belt on the compressor pulley and jumping onto the balancer. As for the zip tie method, neither the compressor or stock LT4 balancer pulley have a hole to thread the zip ties thru.

Exactly (and neither does the ATI balancer)!

[Joshinator99]

Ok, got it on finally…sheesh. The tech who does all the work in my car came out on a Sunday to help out and brought a 3 foot long ratchet and a few oddball belt tools. I kept the belt tracking on the A/C pulley while he worked the belt onto the crank. Then back and forth a few times to get to back into the right slot. But what a pain for a $10 belt…

I attached pics of the belt retaining tool that definitely helped.