Question on torque: belts (fan, AC). Please come in.

[rnln]

I will replace my belts tomorrow. I have question on torque spec. for 2 items.
1- torque spec. on the fan belt big bolt
2- Looking at the AC belt, I think I will have to loosen 4 bolts at bottom of the AC unit to loose the AC belt. What is the torque spec on these bolts?
Thanks.

[greg bradbury]

I myself do't use a torque wrench on these. Instead I use what I would call a reasonable torque. Don't over do it on the fan belt nut just nip it up after seating it lightly, same with the A/c bolts. the belts should also not be too loose or they will slip- or too tight so that they put too much side force on the alternator bearings. About 1/2 " play when you push moderately in the middle of the belt. I know that this sounds a bit airy fairy but I only use the torque wrench on things like head bolt, big end bolt etc, important ones. Also using a cheap torque wrench isn't a good idea. Buy the best one you can afford.
My 0.02 worth until someone else shoots me down with better advise.

[msk1986911]

The nut on the alternator pulley on my '86 coupe was so tight that I had to put an 18" pipe on the wrench for the nut and one on the hook spanner before I could break it free. When I retightened it, I just used the hook spanner and wrench (no torque wrench). From reading Wayne's book, I expected to find a total of 6 shims. I actually found 7; 2 between the pulley & the alternator and 5 on the outside of the pulley. I managed to mangle one shim when I did the initial re-install, taking my total down to the specified 6.

[rnln]

I also got 7 total. I can't remember I have 2 or 3 in there now. One thing I wonder though. We keep replacing and adjusting the belt but never GREASING the fan bearing? Do I worry too much or am I missing some step(s)?
Thanks.