Tightening Power Steering Belt?

[68longhorn]

My p/s belt squeals on start and is a not tight enough. Whats the best way to move the pump? I loosened 2 bolts and a nut but dont have a solid place to pry against

[MountainGoat1966]

Some GM models had a 1/2" square slot for a breaker bar to pull the pump tight, but we got left behind.
I think it's part of a conspiracy to make us damage our pumps and have to buy new ones.
I would suggest giving the belt a good spray of belt dressing and see if that helps.
Or, find a way to pry on the pump housing and not damage it.

[Just call me Sean]

If you have a/c you need to loosen that first, then tighten the power steering, then tighten the a/c again.

[Nin92]

I just use a pry bar between the water pump and power steering pump.

[Just call me Sean]

Oh yeah, how to pry. I use a wrench on the welded nut of the bracket. The one the bolt from the rear threads into.

[ron350]

You could use a v-belt tensioner.

http://www.fixitshop.com/thestore/prods/SUP-BJ10.html

[bnoon]

I use the 90 degree end of my "Wonder Bar" pry bar against the frame and tuck it under the driver's side of the power steering bracket to lift it up into position.

I tried a pry bar between the water pump and the power steering pump, but the power steering pump metal feels so weak I just didn't feel comfortable prying against it.

[motornut]

make sure you have this in place too,it can be tricky to keep tight if this bracket is missing

[ron350]

Please forget that I mentioned using that V-belt tensioner it will not fit in between the pulleys.

The gap between the crankshaft pulley and the power steering pump pulley is only about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches apart.

The last time I replaced the belt I think I used a 2x4 to pry between the frame rail and the lower edge of the power steering pump bracket.

[Oldriginal86]

There was a tool I bought years ago when I worked at a GM dealer, it hooked under the the bracket and had a 3/8" square hole for a breaker bar. Just pulled up on the bar and tighten the adjustment bolt. If I can get a picture of it, I'll try to post.

[Oldriginal86]

I just googled it and classic industries has something similar to the tool I have.

[MountainGoat1966]

I remember that tool way back when and I was still wrenching for a living.
Almost bought one.

[ron350]

Is this the correct tool?

Thexton power steering pump tightener part # 383

[Oldriginal86]

That's the same one on classic industries.

[68longhorn]

Thanks guys, i will get that tool. There is no great place for prying, i got it tighter just not perfect

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Don't mean to bump though perhaps this is of value, at least on the 71-72 BBC pumps there are two thread holes, I believe these are exactly for tensioning the belt, eazy peazy & no damage.

IMO do not pry on the pump housing at all, I've done it before but this time I cared

Seen what happens to the top if you let your alternator go Ha!....It's why I bought a truck for my truck I guess donor was still good. Speak of alternators, I installed a 10SI with factory valve covers, wholly smokes tightened that can't be more than 1/4" off the valve cover. Surprised to see that, my 72 has an old alt, chrome covers and different upper bracket, the alt is off the valve cover by a mile on the same belt.