Hex tool to loosen belts

[S. Baker]

I have been getting a belt whine since changing my timimg belt (sound changes with engine speed). Any recommendation on what type of extension or tool I could use to loosen the power steering belt on my 94MTX? I have craftsman tools, the 3/8 drive extensions that I have been using are too large to fit. I am going to try an loosen the belt to see if that takes away the noise....I thought it might be the timing belt, but after reading some posts I would like to try loosening the power steering belt.

 

[slapnpop]

I did this on my 94 MTX this weekend as part of my 60k. I use a hex attachment for a 3/8 ratchet. The bottom bracket of the engine movement limiter (that mini shock obsorber looking thingamabob) needs to be unbolted and moved out of the way to fit however. I've done it before with a small 90 degree bent allen wrench, but it is a pain to maneuver your hands down in there...
Make sure the center bolt of the idler pulley is lostened, as it locks the tension.

 

[fredhurderjr]

Although I now have a SHO Shop hex tool wrench for it now, I had rigged up something like this:

buy an extra 5mm hex key from Sears, for under $3. Grind off the bottom of the "L" in a bench grinder. Use a 1/4" drive socket set:

5mm socket, plus 10" & 6" extensions. Fits without having to remove anything. For a more permanent tool, get a second 5mm socket & bond the hex key to the socket so it doesn't slip out - can be a little aggravating.

It ain't purty, but it works.

 

[luigisho]

I thought you could buy a socket with the hex end already attached. As a set or individually.

 

[olympic]

luigisho:
I thought you could buy a socket with the hex end already attached. As a set or individually.

Yep, I have a set.

 

[fredhurderjr]

Yes, but they're usually 3/8" drive, which makes the head bigger. The diameter of the whole setup is smaller with the 1/4" drive the way I described. I also have the hex head sockets. My experience with these (tool-wise

1st: Allen Hex Key
2nd: 3/8" drive hex socket
3rd: 1/4" drive setup described above
4th: tool specific for the job

 

[luigisho]

I see your point Fred. I totally missed the 1/4" reference. It would certainly fit much better. I'll be doing this over the weekend, so thanks for the tip!