I am a new montero sport owner and I have found that our '02 alternator belt is loose. How do you tighten it? It looks like there is a belt tensioner but some posts have said that tightening can be tricky. I can't find repair manuals for this model yet. Otherwise my wife loves it and won't let me drive...

 

It is not tricky to tighten. However, if it is loose, I would put on a new belt.

Tighten so you have about 1/4" deflection on the belt with medium pressure.

 

But how do you tighten it?

 

Ok ..there should be a bolt right in the center of the pulley..loosen (do not remove)...Then underneath the suv..Lay on your back..and look upunderneathfor a bolt that is connectedto the tensioner pulley you just loosened..Tighten (Turn it clockwise) the belt should tighten..After you get it where you want it, tighten the bolt on thepulley(The thing the belt rides on)that you loosened. hope this makes some kind of sense..

I noticed I am off a little fromwhen this was posted..but hopefully it will help someone else..