172 Aux belt

[sand6000]

I have a Phase 2 Clio 172. Just replaced the cam belt but am having major problems getting the new aux belt on. There seems to be no adjustabliity in the tensioner so how do you get the belt over all the pulleys? Is there a trick to this? Have been on this for 3 days now. Cheers, Pat (New Zealand)

 

[nosluom]

i dont know if you've seen it mate because its hidden quite well but there's a square socket hole near the tensioner that you need to use. We replaced my alternator the other day and had the same problem, we didnt notice it until we put a small mirror down there. You need to knock up a tensioner tool if you've got any welding skills. We welded a 3/8 extension onto the end of a bit of metal bar so you can then put it in the square hole and push the bar towards the rear of the engine bay. This releases the tension so you can fit the belt properly

see this thread for a picture of the tool you'll need

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/show...ux-tensioner-square-hole&highlight=alternator

 

[sand6000]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I have a tool being done at present. I knew there must be a trick.
Will let you know how it works out. Pat.

 

[Martyn-172]

Hey bud i recently changed my aux belt, i got the full kit from renault and that little socket hole wasnt up to the job as me and my massively experienced mechanic uncle managed to snap the tensioner housing!! Luckily it didnt break anything essential so as a last resort we put a meaty jubilee clip around the tensioner spring and slowly went about fitting it to the housing, after a little carefull jiggling we got it lined up and screwed it straight in!! All is fine with it as we speak but next time il buy the renault tensioner tool!! Not sure if that helps but just thought id let you know :/

 

[sand6000]

Thanks. I will try the tool I have made up and if that fails will try the jubilee clip. Always handy to have a backup plan.

 

[mgoode180566]

jubilee clip all day for me and lean the alternator forward to get a few useful extra millimetres free......

 

[sand6000]

Great advice guys. I compressed the tensioner spring in a vice (locate the vice jaws on the round collars) and sliiped a 92mm jubilee clib over the two end pieces, screwed it up then let go the vice. The compressed tensioner then drops into the 2 locating holes easily and you then release the clip. After shagging around for 4 days trying to do this job, this solution took 10 minutes. Thanks.

 

[Martyn-172]

No problem buddy, thats what this sites all about, glad to hear it worked for you! Happy motoring