Getting to bolts - Tightening belt Question

[lotusrepair]

I am getting ready to change out the a/c compressor. I see the bolts to loosen the belt but what i the best way to get to them. From the top it looks like I need a very long wrench. Is it better to remove the inner wheel well cover? What is the best way to get a wrench on the bolts to slacken off the belt?

Thanks
Chris

[steve matthews]

Below

[HJ2]

Haha! I do it from the top!
I use a ratch / open ended spanner that gives just the extra length you need.
I now have ordered a regular but extra long open ended / ring spanner for just this job.

Have you tried the alternator belt already?

[alan e]

You loosen the belt via the power steering pump there are two bolts which you loosen off then move the pump towards the engine which slackens the belt, you will have to get under the car to get access to the pipes connection onto the compressor, the compressor is fixed by one long bolt and a bracket witch is fixed to the engine and the compressor best way of getting to them I my opinion is to remove the inner wheel cover.

[lotusrepair]

I am almost successful. The a/c compressor is changed and the drier is changed. What i can't seem to do is tighten the belt back up enough. Where is the best place to apply force to tighten the belt? I have tried pulling up on the top of the steering pump bracket. I have tried a few times and the belt is still too lose to turn the a/c compressor.

Chris

[HJ2]

I stick a large flat screwdriver under the metal pivoting bracket of the pump. Whilst holding a little tension I fasten the pivot bolt that usually holds the tension. After that I tighten the tensioner bolt.
Almost there!

[lotusrepair]

I finally got the belt tighten and the a/c system charged. While in the front right wheel well I spotted a torn up duct.
Foam connector Wheel Arch to Plenum A100P0096F I think

It connects fresh air ducts. The piece was all tore up and I just removed what was left. It is a triangle shape. Anyone had to replace this and what did you use.

Thanks
Chris

[John_W]

Chris,
Mine has a bit of old inner tube and a couple of tie-wraps.

It seems a common solution:
viewtopic.php?f=134&t=24297&p=305754
viewtopic.php?f=31&t=24323&p=305978

John

[lotusrepair]

I like that idea. Something I had not thought of.

Thanks
Chris