How to Change the Alternator Belt on a Mitsubishi Lancer
by Carl PruitThe alternator on your Mitsubishi Lancer is the engine part that generates power to the rest of your vehicle. When you start the car, the battery uses the current that it is storing to crank the starter, but once the car is started, the alternator will resupply the battery with the current to keep the car running. It is very important that the alternator belt be tight and working properly to transfer this power to the engine.
Step 1
Locate the two belts on the left side (passenger side) of your Mitsubishi Lancer. The outer belt is a serpentine belt, operating four pulleys and the inner belt is your alternator belt.
Step 2
Follow the serpentine (outer) belt to the three pulleys lined up vertically near the front of the engine compartment. Locate the middle pulley, which is the tension pulley for the belt.
Step 3
Loosen the bolt on the middle pulley with a socket wrench by turning counter-clockwise. Do not remove the bolt, just turn it a couple of times. Loosen the tensioner bolt on the side of the of the pulley, facing the front of the vehicle.
Step 4
Remove the serpentine belt and then loosen the bolt on the alternator. With the alternator loose, move it forward so that the alternator belt loosens up and then remove belt from the pulleys.
Step 5
Install the new alternator belt by placing it over both inside pulleys. Tighten the tension on the alternator belt by moving the alternator back and keeping tension on it by holding it back with a long screwdriver. While the alternator belt is tight, use a socket wrench to tighten up the bolt on the alternator.
Step 6
Place the serpentine belt back on the pulleys and then use a socket wrench on the bolt on the front of the tension pulley. Once the serpentine belt is tight, tighten up the bolt in the middle of the tension pulley.
Step 7
Start the Mitsubishi Lancer's engine to test the alternator belt and make sure it is working properly. Once you have verified it is working, turn the engine off.
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench set
- Long screwdriver
- Alternator belt for your year and model of Mitsubishi Lancer
Warnings
- Never work on an engine that is still hot. When working with removing belts and parts, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Writer Bio
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
