I can not figure out how to loosen the power steering belt, so i can replace the new alternator belt. please help

The power steering pump has has mounting bolts that also serve to hold tension on the belt. Same for the alternator. Loosen the bolts but don't take completely out, push the pump or alternator towards the engine to release tension. Replace the belts. Use a long handled pry bar to push against the alternator or power steering pump to apply tension to the new belt while simultaneously tighten the bolts.

ADJUSTMENT

Excessive belt tension will cause damage to the alternator and water pump pulley bearings, while, on the other hand, loose belt tension will produce slip and premature wear on the belt. Therefore, be sure to adjust the belt tension to the proper level.
To adjust the tension on a drive belt, loosen the adjusting bolt or fixing bolt locknut on the alternator, alternator bracket or tension pulley. Then move the alternator or turn the adjusting bolt to adjust belt tension. Once the desired value is reached, secure the bolt or locknut and recheck tension.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.4L Engines

Fig. Accessory V-belt routing-Mitsubishi 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L and 2.4L engines
Alternator Belt

Fig. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt . . .

Fig. . . . then remove the alternator belt from the engine

1. Loosen the alternator support nut.
2. Loosen the adjuster lock bolt.
3. Rotate the adjuster bolt counter clockwise to release the tension on the belt.
4. Remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the belt on the pulleys.
2. Rotate the adjuster bolt clockwise until the proper tension is reached.
3. Tighten the adjuster lock bolt and the alternator support nut.

POWER STEERING BELT

Fig. After the adjusting and fixed bolts are loosened, rotate the pump . . .

Fig. . . . then remove the power steering belt from the engine

1. Remove the alternator belt as described above.
2. Loosen the power steering pump adjusting bolts.
3. Remove the power steering pump fixed bolt on the rear of the bracket.
4. Rotate the pump toward the engine and remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the belt on the pulleys.
2. Rotate the pump until the proper tension is reached.
3. Tighten the adjusting bolts on the pump.
4. Tighten the fixed bolt on the rear of the bracket.
5. Install the alternator belt.

A/C COMPRESSOR BELT

1. Loosen the tension pulley and remove the belt.
2. The installation is the reverse of the removal.

3.0L DOHC, 3.0L SOHC Galant, and 3.5L Engines

Fig. Serpentine belt routing-Mitsubishi 3.0L engines (except 1998-00 Galant models)

Fig. Accessory V-belt routing-Mitsubishi 3.5L and 1998-00 3.0L SOHC Galant engines
ALTERNATOR AND A/C COMPRESSOR

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION Wait at least 90 seconds after the negative battery cable is disconnected to prevent possible deployment of the air bag.

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle and remove the front undercover.
2. Loosen the tension pulley fixing nut and relieve the tension on the belt by turning the adjusting bolt.
3. Remove the belt.

To install:

1. Install the belt on the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
2. Using the adjusting bolt on the tensioner, tighten the belt to the desired tension.
3. Tighten the fixing nut to hold the adjustment.
4. Install the undercover and lower the vehicle to the floor.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.

POWER STEERING BELT

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

CAUTION Wait at least 90 seconds after the negative battery cable is disconnected to prevent possible deployment of the air bag.

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle and remove the undercover.
2. Remove the alternator and A/C compressor belt.
3. Lower the vehicle and remove the cruise control pump link assembly.
4. Place the power steering hose under the oil reservoir.
5. Loosen the tension pulley fixing bolts and remove the power steering pump drive belt.

To install:

1. Install the power steering pump drive belt.
2. Insert an extension bar or equivalent into the opening at the end of the tension pulley bracket and pivot the pulley to apply tension to the belt.
3. Tighten the fixing bolts.
4. Raise the vehicle and install the alternator and A/C compressor belt.
5. Install the undercover and lower the vehicle.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

3.0L SOHC Diamante

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Loosen the lockbolt on the face of the A/C tensioner pulley.
3. Turn the adjusting bolt of the A/C tensioner pulley to loosen the tension of the A/C belt.
4. Remove the A/C compressor belt.
5. Loosen the locknut on the face of the power steering/alternator tensioner pulley.
6. Turn the adjusting bolt of the tensioner pulley to loosen the tension of the belt.
7. Remove the power steering/alternator belt.

To install:

1. Install the power steering/alternator belt first and then the A/C compressor drive belt.
2. Adjust the belts to the proper tension by turning the adjusting bolts and tighten pulley fixing nut/bolt.
3. Tighten the mounting nut of the power steering/alternator tensioner pulley to 36 ft. lbs. (50 Nm).

Drive Belts

• INSPECTION
• ADJUSTMENT
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Print

INSPECTION

See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Check the condition and tension of all drive belts every 12,000 miles, or at least once a year. Loose drive belts can lead to poor engine cooling and diminished alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, or emission air pump output. A belt that is too tight places a strain on the bearings in the driven component.

Fig. Fig. 1: There are typically 3 types of accessory drive belts found on vehicles today

Fig. Fig. 2: An example of a healthy drive belt

Fig. Fig. 3: Deep cracks in this belt will cause flex, building up heat that will eventually lead to belt failure

Fig. Fig. 4: The cover of this belt is worn, exposing the critical reinforcing cords to excessive wear

Fig. Fig. 5: Installing too wide a belt can result in serious belt wear and/or breakage
Replace any drive belt that is glazed, worn, cracked, or stretched to the point where correct adjustment tension is impossible. If two belts are used to drive a component, always replace both belts when replacement is necessary. After installing a new belt, run the engine for ten minutes, shut OFF the engine and recheck the belt tension. Readjust if necessary.

ADJUSTMENT

See Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Fig. Fig. 6: Engine belt tension chart-2.2L engines

Fig. Fig. 7: Engine belt tension chart-1987-89 2.5L engines

Fig. Fig. 8: Engine belt tension chart-2.6L engines

Fig. Fig. 9: Engine belt tension chart-1990-93 models

Fig. Fig. 10: Engine belt tension chart-1994-95 models
Two popular methods of checking drive belt adjustment are; the Belt Tension Gauge Method and the Belt Deflection Method. The former requires a special gauge and the latter requires a straight edge and scale or just a good eye for measurement. The deflection method will be used in the following belt replacement instructions. A rule of thumb for checking belt tension by the deflection method is to determine the midpoint between two pulleys of the drive belt and press down at that point with moderate thumb pressure. The belt should deflect to the measurement indicated in the following installation procedures. Adjustment is necessary if the belt is either too loose or too tight.

WARNING A belt adjustment which is either too loose or too tight will eventually damage the accessory that belt is driving. A too loose adjustment allows free-play in the belt which could transfer a whipping motion or shock to the accessory drive pulley. Similarly, a belt which is too tight will preload the accessory bearings, leading to early failure.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

See Figure 11
Raise the front of the vehicle, support on jackstands and remove the lower splash shield if access is hampered due to space limitations when changing drive belts.

Fig. Fig. 11: Support the vehicle, then remove the lower right side splash shield for access to the drive belts
2.2L Engines
A/C COMPRESSOR DRIVE BELT
See Figures 12, 13 and 14

Fig. Fig. 12: A/C compressor drive belt adjusting points-2.2L engines

Fig. Fig. 13: Loosening the locking screws for A/C compressor drive belt removal

Fig. Fig. 14: Removing the A/C compressor drive belt from under the vehicle

1. Loosen the idler pulley bracket pivot screw and the locking screw.
2. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
3. Using a breaker bar and socket apply torque to the welded nut provided on the mounted bracket to obtain proper tension.
4. Tighten the locking screw first, followed by pivot screw. Tighten to 40 ft. lbs. (55 Nm).

ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT (CHRYSLER TYPE)
See Figures 15 and 16

Fig. Fig. 15: Alternator belt adjustment-2.2L engine

Fig. Fig. 16: Loosening the locking screw for alternator drive belt removal
If removal of the alternator belt is required, the A/C belt must first be removed.

1. Loosen the pivot nut, locking screw, and the adjusting screw.
2. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
3. Adjust to specification by tightening the adjusting screw.
4. Tighten the locking screw to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm).
5. Tighten the pivot nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm).

ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT (BOSCH TYPE)
If removal of the alternator belt is required, the A/C belt must first be removed.

1. Loosen the pivot nut, locking nut, and adjusting screw.
2. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
3. Adjust to specification by tightening the adjusting screw.
4. Tighten the locking nut to 25 ft. lbs. (34 Nm).
5. Tighten the pivot nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm).

POWER STEERING BELT
If removal of the power steering belt is required, the A/C and alternator belts must first be removed.

1. Loosen the locking screw, and pivot screw.
2. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
3. Install a 1 / 2 in. breaker bar into the pump bracket slot, apply pressure with the breaker bar and adjust the belt to specification.
4. Tighten the locking screw first, then the pivot screw. Tighten to 40 ft. lbs. (55 Nm).

AIR PUMP DRIVE BELT
See Figure 17

Fig. Fig. 17: Air pump belt adjustment-2.2L engines
When servicing the air pump, use the square holes provided in the pulley to prevent camshaft rotation.

1. Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the drive pulley cover.
2. Remove the locking bolt and pivot bolt from the pump bracket, then remove the pump.
3. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
4. Position the pump, then install the locking bolt and pivot bolt finger-tight.
5. Install a 1 / 2 in. breaker bar into the bracket assembly (block the drive pulley to prevent camshaft rotation), and adjust the belt to specification.
6. Tighten locking bolt and pivot bolt to 25 ft. lbs. (35 Nm).

2.5L Engines
AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR
See Figure 18

Fig. Fig. 18: Drive belt adjustment points-2.5L engines

1. Loosen the idler bracket pivot screw and the locking screws to replace, or adjust belt.
2. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
3. Adjust the belt to specification by applying torque to weld nut on the idler bracket.
4. Tighten locking screw first, followed by the pivot screw. Tighten to 40 ft. lbs. (55 Nm).

ALTERNATOR BELT
See Figure 18
If replacement of the alternator belt is required, the A/C drive belt must first be removed.

1. Loosen the pivot nut, locking nut, and adjusting screw.
2. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
3. Adjust the belt to specification by tightening the adjusting screw.
4. Tighten the locking nut to 25 ft. lbs. (35 Nm).
5. Tighten the pivot nut to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).

POWER STEERING PUMP
See Figure 18
If replacement of the power steering belt is required, the A/C and alternator belts must first be remove.

1. Loosen the locking screw and pivot screw to replace, or adjust the belt.
2. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
3. Using a 1 / 2 in. breaker bar positioned in adjusting bracket slot, adjust the belt to specification.
4. Tighten the locking screw followed by the pivot screw. Tighten to 40 ft. lbs. (55 Nm).

2.6L Engines
ALTERNATOR/AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR BELT
See Figure 19

Fig. Fig. 19: Drive belt adjustment points-2.6L engines

1. Loosen the locking screw, jam nut, and pivot nut.
2. Loosen the adjusting screw.
3. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
4. Adjust the belt to specification by tightening the adjusting screw.
5. Tighten the locking screw followed by the pivot nut. Tighten to 16 ft. lbs. (22 Nm).
6. Tighten the jam nut to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).

POWER STEERING PUMP BELT
See Figure 19
If replacement of the power steering belt is required, the alternator and A/C belt must first be remove.

1. Loosen the pivot screw, and the locking screw.
2. Remove the timing pickup.
3. Remove the belt and install a replacement.
4. Install a 1 / 2 in. breaker bar in the adjusting bracket slot, torque to specification.
5. Tighten the locking screw, followed by the pivot screw. Tighten to 40 ft. lbs. (55 Nm).
6. Install the timing pick-up, and tighten to 160 inch lbs. (18 Nm).

To replace the alternator belt, you must first remove the Power Steering/Air Conditioner belt. The tensioner for this belt is on the left side of the engine (when viewing from the transmission end). Loosen the tensioner pulley center bolt and then loosen the adjusting bolt. Then the alternator bolts must be loosened and the adjusting bolt for the alternator must be loosened.
Reverse procedure after installing new belt/belts.

1.8L Engine

1. Using a belt tension gauge, measure the drive belt tension and compare with the following specifications:
   1. Alternator belt (new): 86-103 lbs. (383-461 N)
      
   2. Alternator belt (used): 68-86 lbs. (304-383 N)
      
   3. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (new): 110-132 lbs (491-589 N)
      
   4. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (used): 95-110 lbs. (422-491 N)
      
      
      Fig. Using a tension gauge to measure the alternator belt tension - 1.8L engines (click HERE for zoom)
      
      
   
   
2. Using the deflection method, apply moderate pressure (about 22 lbs) halfway between the pulleys, and compare with the following specifications.
   1. Alternator belt (new): 0.31-0.35 in. (8-9mm)
   Alternator belt (used): 0.35-0.39 in. (9-10mm)
   
   2. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (new): 0.31-0.35 in. (8-9mm)
      
   3. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (used): 0.35-0.39 in. (9-10mm)
3. If the specifications fall outside the ranges given, adjust the belt as follows:
   1. Loosen the alternator mounting bolt and adjusting bolt.
      
   2. Adjust the alternator to get the specified belt deflection.
      
   3. Tighten the bolts, then recheck the tension.
      
      
      Fig. Adjusting the alternator belt-1.8L engines
      

Hope helps.

1.8L Engine

1. Using a belt tension gauge, measure the drive belt tension and compare with the following specifications:
   1. Alternator belt (new): 86-103 lbs. (383-461 N)
      
   2. Alternator belt (used): 68-86 lbs. (304-383 N)
      
   3. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (new): 110-132 lbs (491-589 N)
      
   4. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (used): 95-110 lbs. (422-491 N)
      
      
      

      Fig. Using a tension gauge to measure the alternator belt tension - 1.8L engines (click image for zoom)
      

   
   
2. Using the deflection method, apply moderate pressure (about 22 lbs) halfway between the pulleys, and compare with the following specifications.
   1. Alternator belt (new): 0.31-0.35 in. (8-9mm)
   Alternator belt (used): 0.35-0.39 in. (9-10mm)
   
   2. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (new): 0.31-0.35 in. (8-9mm)
      
   3. A/C compressor and power steering pump belt (used): 0.35-0.39 in. (9-10mm)
3. If the specifications fall outside the ranges given, adjust the belt as follows:
   1. Loosen the alternator mounting bolt and adjusting bolt.
      
   2. Adjust the alternator to get the specified belt deflection.
      
   3. Tighten the bolts, then recheck the tension.
      
      
      

      Fig. Adjusting the alternator belt-1.8L engines
      

Hope helps.

Hi, it appears there are other belts in front of the alternator belt. In this case, the other belts have to come off first. There are adjusting mechanisms on each the air pump, compressor, and alternator to loosen and tighten the belts. The power steering belt is adjusted by sliding the idler pulley. Please follow the instructions below and let me know if you have any questions.

ADJUSTING

See Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11

Fig. Fig. 6: Loosen the pivot bolt ...

Fig. Fig. 7: ... push the component inwards ...

Fig. Fig. 8: ... slip the old belt off and install a new one

Fig. Fig. 9: Pull outwards to tension the belt

Fig. Fig. 10: Belt routing on the 20R, 22R and 22R-EC engines

Fig. Fig. 11: Belt routing on the 4ME, 5ME and 5MG-E engines

Alternator
To adjust the tension of the alternator drive belt on all models, loosen the pivot and mounting bolts on the alternator. Using a wooden hammer handle, a broomstick or your hand, move the alternator one way or the other until the proper tension is achieved.

WARNING Do not use a screwdriver or any other metal device (such as a prybar) as a lever.
Tighten the mounting bolts securely. If a new belt has been installed, recheck the tension after about 200 miles (480 km) of driving.

Air Conditioning Compressor
A/C compressor belt tension can be adjusted by turning the tension adjusting bolt which is located on the compressor tensioner bracket. Turn the bolt clockwise to tighten the belt and counterclockwise to loosen it.

Air Pump
See Figures 12
To adjust the tension of the air pump drive belt, loosen the adjusting lever bolt and the pivot bolt. Move the pump in or out until the desired tension is felt.
The tension should be checked between the air pump and the crankshaft pulley on cars without air conditioning. On cars with A/C, the tension should be checked between the A/C compressor and the crankshaft pulley.

Fig. Fig. 12: Moving the air pump to tension the drive belt

Power Steering Pump
Tension on the power steering belt is adjusted by means of an idler pulley. Turn the adjusting bolt on the idler pulley until the desired tension is felt and then retighten the lockbolt.

FOR THE 3.0L ENGINE IF YOU REPLACE AC BELT LOOSEN TOP IDLER PULLEY CENTER BOLT. IF YOU REPLACING ALTERNATOR AND WATER PUMP BELT LOOSEN ALTERNATOR ADJUSTMENT BOLT AND PIVOT BOLT.IF REPLACING POWER STEERING PUMP BELT LOOSEN POWER STEERING PUMP ADJUSTMENT BOLT AND MOUNTING BOLTS.****** FOR THE 2.4L ENGINE TO REMOVE POWER STEERING BELT LOOSEN TOP IDLER PULLEY.FOR ALTERNATOR AND WATER PUMP BELT LOOSEN ALTERNATOR ADJUSTER BOLT, PIVOT AND MOUNTING BOLTS.FOR AC COMPRESSOR LOOSEN LOWER IDLER PULLEY.

I don't have the figure for your car, but the below figure shows how to remove the A/C belt.
the other belts should have a simple slot in the bracket for adjusting. If you have more questions, let us know.


3.0L SOHC Diamante

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Loosen the lockbolt on the face of the A/C tensioner pulley.
3. Turn the adjusting bolt of the A/C tensioner pulley to loosen the tension of the A/C belt.
4. Remove the A/C compressor belt.
5. Loosen the locknut on the face of the power steering/alternator tensioner pulley.
6. Turn the adjusting bolt of the tensioner pulley to loosen the tension of the belt.
7. Remove the power steering/alternator belt.
   

To install:

1. Install the power steering/alternator belt first and then the A/C compressor drive belt.
2. Adjust the belts to the proper tension by turning the adjusting bolts and tighten pulley fixing nut/bolt.
3. Tighten the mounting nut of the power steering/alternator tensioner pulley to 36 ft. lbs. (50 Nm).

NOTE The manufacturer does not provide a torque specification for the bolt that secures A/C tensioner pulley.

1. Connect the negative battery cable.
   

You have three belts on your sorento
one for the A/C
one for power steering
And one for the alternator

to remover the power steering and alternator you need to loosen the tensioner center nut, then loosen the tensioner adjuster bolt. its easier to explain with a diagram.
to remover the alternator belt, you have to do that from under the car, which means removing the lower engine cover. the same methods applies to the alternator belt, loosen the tension centre nut, then loosen the adjuster bolt.

by they way, sorentos with the new 3.8 engine have only one belt, thats 2007 and up.
have fun