Well i own a 97 Z24 cav with the 2.4 and my drive belt is going out. I would like to do the work my self and i have the new belt ready to go in there is just one problem i cant seem to get the old one off or even able to reach it completely i was wondering if any one could help me out or tell me to go to a site that will give some more info on how i could do it my self then have some shop over charge me when i could do it myself.

Put a box wrench on the tensioner bolt... I THINK it's a 13mm on the 96-98 cars. I know it's a 15mm on the 99+ cars, but I've never actually owned the older 2.4L, so I'm not sure on the size.

Push it backwards... hold it there.. that releases the tension on the belt.

Slip the belt off the tensioner or one of the pullies... ie. alternator. Once the belt is off one pulley, you can release the tensioner (leave the wrench on it for ease later on). pull the old belt out... put the new belt in... push on the tensioner again... should just pop on.

I've had some issues with some (shorter) belts... not being able to get it on the tensioner... I had to pull the right front wheel and remove the plastic fender liner... then turn the crank with a ratchet to 'roll' the belt onto the crank pulley... wouldn't fit any other way. Might be just me, with the 99+ motors.




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thanks i will give that a try

BE VERY CAREFUL OF YOUR BELT ROUTE! Most cars have belt route diagrams stuck under the hood. I dont know about the J's. I'm pretty sure they do too.

F.Y.I.

Chilton's manuals are your friend! If you put the belt on in an incorrect manor... You're going to have problems. I'm not 100% sure what would go on your car but i'm sure something will go.