[Fstlane]

Ok so I have spent the last 8 hours trying to "Stretch" the AC belt on my '19 ZL1 without success. I have searched the forum for answers and found none basically. I know there are a bunch of you guys out there who have done lower pulleys as that is what I read every time some one asks the upper / lower question. So can someone PLEASE share how you got that belt installed on the Balancer.


I can't keep the belt from popping off the AC compressor...and I am using the old OEM Belt.


Help!

[Joshinator99]

Originally Posted by Fstlane

Ok so I have spent the last 8 hours trying to "Stretch" the AC belt on my '19 ZL1 without success. I have searched the forum for answers and found none basically. I know there are a bunch of you guys out there who have done lower pulleys as that is what I read every time some one asks the upper / lower question. So can someone PLEASE share how you got that belt installed on the Balancer.


I can't keep the belt from popping off the AC compressor...and I am using the old OEM Belt.


Help!

The A/C belt SUCKS. I had a second set of hands that way one person can crank the motor over with a big ratchet (3 footer is mint) while the other person helps walk it onto the correct spot. Good luck…!

[6spdhyperblue]

I did solo and like above the 3fter on the crank bolt. Watch that thermostat!

Man I can’t think this took that long on my newish car when I did it too. I feel for ya.
I think I remember a flathead to help guide the ac belt with the one hand while cranking with the other.


Reusing the belt is patience. Make sure you don’t crack the thermostat housing.
A new ac belt is harder, so with patience and brute force on the screw driver, you should get it

[Fstlane]

Thanks guys! I was close a couple of times! Looking for an assistant, hope the wife can man the pry bar.

[Stephen12ZL1]

use a stretch fit tool which looks like a wedge and that usually works. Obviously, walk it on like a bicycle chain clockwise and it will go on as you force the belt towards the front of the balancer. For me the belt always twists then corrects itself on the next rotation. You can't use the "zip tie trick" with an ATI balancer. The Gates stretch fit tool never works well for me. GM has a tool which comes with a new belt in a kit which supposedly works well.

[Evansa22]

Here's how I did mine, hopefully this will work for you. I wrapped it around the crank pulley first, then I put the belt in the groove at the arrow and let the rest hang off the side of the ac pulley. I applied as much pressure as I could with my thumb at that point and started turning the crank with my other hand. Keeping pressure on the same spot on the belt and turning the crank, it eventually popped on. I tried a few different tools that were useless, and it took quite a while of head slamming to figure out all I needed was my thumb.

[Fstlane]

From what I have read none of the tools will work with the ATI Damper. But if someone has a tool or trick I am open! I am trying to work from the rear of the damper.
Hopefully I won't burn another day on this!
Thanks for the support!

[Fstlane]

Originally Posted by Evansa22

Here's how I did mine, hopefully this will work for you. I wrapped it around the crank pulley first, then I put the belt in the groove at the arrow and let the rest hang off the side of the ac pulley. I applied as much pressure as I could with my thumb at that point and started turning the crank with my other hand. Keeping pressure on the same spot on the belt and turning the crank, it eventually popped on. I tried a few different tools that were useless, and it took quite a while of head slamming to figure out all I needed was my thumb.

Holy Mole! Thanks Evens22!!!

All I needed was a second set of hands and to ignore that crap on YouTube!

That may work for the stock Damper....but not the ATI.

Your method worked perfect was on in 20 minutes!

[Evansa22]

Originally Posted by Fstlane

Holy Mole! Thanks Evens22!!!

All I needed was a second set of hands and to ignore that crap on YouTube!

That may work for the stock Damper....but not the ATI.

Your method worked perfect was on in 20 minutes!

trust me, I wasted plenty of time and effort trying to get the damn thing on. In the end, it was just a finger in the right spot

[Fstlane]

Yep I almost had a Elvis / Pantera moment.