Astra drive/fan belt change

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Sun 1 Feb 2004 17:24
Astra drive/fan belt change - Peter C
The drive/fan belt on my Astra 1.4(power stearing) is looking very worn. Friendly machanic said "Easy to change levering up the pulley with a 15mm spanner." Off I went yesterday and bought the belt. Today had to buy a 15 mm spanner since it is a odd size and not in my cheap selection of spanners and sockets. Managed to lever up the pulley but then found a problem. What do I do to get the belt free from the engine and put the new one in place? Do I have to take the water pump off or some other part of the engine?

There was I thinking it was easier than when you had to slacken off the alternator. I am a little embarrassed to call the mechanic and ask for more free advice and I hope to go to work in it tomorrow.

Cheers

Peter
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Sun 1 Feb 2004 17:27
Astra drive/fan belt change - No Do$h
There are some hints on changing belts on Astras (petrol and diesel) in this thread: www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=17422

May be some others - will see what I can find.

No Dosh
mailto:Alan_moderator@honestjohn.co.uk
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Sun 1 Feb 2004 17:30
Astra drive/fan belt change - No Do$h
Yup, some more generic advice on GM cambelts.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=9704

and

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=2642
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Sun 1 Feb 2004 17:59
Astra drive/fan belt change - Dynamic Dave
Not sure if this is the same design as the Cavalier, but on that model you have to undo an engine mount as the belt runs between the mount and the engine. It this is the case, you'll need a piece of wood - (to spread the load over the entire sump area) - jack up the wood so that it's tight against the sump, and undo the engine mount from the body of the car. Lower the jack slightly, remove belt, fit new one though the mount, and then raise the jack again. Tighten mount and then remove jack, etc. Fit belt on pulleys as you've already described.
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Sun 1 Feb 2004 22:03
Astra drive/fan belt change - Peter C
Thank ou very much to No Dosh for looking up previous posts and to Dynamic Dave for explaining that I need to undo the engine mount. Will set to tomorrow night and keep the old belt on until then.

Cheers

Peter
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