v belt change on hijet DAIHATSU HIJET Pickup (_U20)

To change the V-belt on a Daihatsu Hijet pickup, follow these practical steps that cover loosening, removing, and installing the belt safely and effectively:

1. Prepare the Vehicle:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface and ensure the engine is off and cool.
- Open the hood and locate the V-belt; it typically drives accessories like the alternator and water pump.

2. Loosen the Belt Tension:
- Locate the alternator or accessory bracket bolts; these hold the alternator or the pulley assembly in place and maintain belt tension.
- Use a wrench or socket appropriate for your model to loosen (but not remove) these bolts so the alternator or pulley can move.
- Some models may have a separate tensioner pulley bolt that you can loosen to relieve belt tension.

3. Remove the Old V-belt:
- Once loosened, push or pull the alternator or tensioner pulley to create slack in the belt.
- Slide the V-belt off the pulleys carefully without forcing it to avoid damage.
- Inspect the belt path to note the routing for the new belt installation.

4. Install the New V-belt:
- Position the new V-belt on the smaller idler pulley first, then route it around the other accessory pulleys following the correct belt path.
- Ensure the belt sits properly in the pulley grooves.

5. Adjust the Belt Tension:
- Pull the alternator or tensioner pulley away from the engine to apply proper tension on the belt.
- A good rule of thumb is about half an inch of deflection when pressing down in the middle of the longest belt span.
- Tighten the alternator or bracket bolts securely while maintaining this tension.

6. Final Checks:
- Double-check the belt alignment on all pulleys.
- Recheck that all bolts are tight.
- Start the engine and visually inspect the belt for smooth running without slipping or noise.

This straightforward process can be done with basic hand tools like wrenches and sockets. If the vehicle has a spring-loaded tensioning pulley, the process is even simpler since the tensioner automatically adjusts tension when the belt is installed.

Replacing the V-belt regularly keeps the engine accessories operating smoothly and prevents unexpected breakdowns from belt failure in the Daihatsu Hijet pickup.