power steering pump belt specification

[derolph]

Anybody know the spec for how tight the belt should be? My belt has been frequently doing some squeeling at startup, especially when cold. I have a Haynes manual for 1984 - 1989 Accords but I cannot find the spec for belt tension in it.

[1989accordaz]

" Measure the pump belt tension by pushing on it 75mm (2.95 in) from the center of the pump pulley with a force of about 100N (10kg, 22 lbs) Pump belt should deflect about 14-17 mm ( 1/2- 3/4 in ) "

From the shop manual

[derolph]

I can't make sense of this. 75mm (2.95 in) from the center of the pulley is right next to the pulley. If the belt deflects "about 14-17 mm ( 1/2- 3/4 in )" that close to the pulley, it's obviously pretty lose, so lose that it would be slipping quite a lot, perhaps not even working at all. Surely, the pressure on the belt for this test should applied somewhere near the mid-point between the two pulleys.

[1989accordaz]

Whenever I remove and then re adjust the steering pump belt, I just keep it tight, not as tight as possible either, and if it doesn't squeak, then I am good. I also read what it is suggested by the manual and wondered why the deflection isn't measured in the middle...

Chilton's manual however, says " The belt should deflect about 1/4 in over 7-10 in. or 1/2 in. over 13-16 in. By pressing at a halfway point between pulleys with moderate thumb pressure." This is the one that I use, haven't had a problem yet.