Hi folks,

Just picked up a 53 plate WRX last week and have noticed a couple of times on start-up when turning the steering it feels like it's juddering. Tonight when it happened I also noticed the battery light flashing making me think PS/Alt belt?

Seems fine once it's running but could this be an early sign that the Altenator belt is going or a possibly a problem with the Power Steering?

 

poss belt sliping slightly and griping better when warm cheack condition and tightness of belt also ps fluid level

 

Can I see the belt without removing anything?

 

As above did mine the other day belt needs adjusting,

 

yes lift the bonnet and its looking straight at you on the front of engine

 

Great and is it easy to adjust for the non technically minded

 

hmmmmm not quite shure as i have a classic can on mine. . . . any cracking id replace it to tighten you should just be able to twist the belt 90 degres on longest point.....(they say 5 cracks per inch on a multi-v belt but if i saw 1 crack and had issues id change it for £7 )

 

yea like a 10mm and 12mm spanner/socket or somot

 

As above couldnt be easier

 

Ok thanks guys.

Sound like I loosen of a couple of bolts on altenator then adjust big long bolt to tighten the belt, then tighten the other 2 bolts up again. Even I should manage that

 

Sorry forgot to say there always worse on start up,because the battery needs charge replaceing which then puts more load on the alternator causing the slipping,when you look at it you will see how easy they are to do about 5 minutes work,like said before you should be able to twist the belt 90 degrees at its longest point

 

OK cheers.

So from the attached pic I took this morning, I loosen bolts 1 and 2, then tighten bolt 3 to get correct slack. Then finally tighten Bolts 1 and 2 again?



Sorry for being paranoid but just want to make sure and maybe pic might help other newbies like me

 

You dont need to touch bolt 1 as the alternator is on bushes,just slacken bolt 2 and adjust with bolt 3 and thats all there is too it john

 

Cool Cheers!

 

 

Belt now tightened and no more Juddering Steering or flashing battery light.

Many thanks guys

 

no probs mate happy to help

 

As above mate,all the money youve saved you can spend on fuel lol

 

LOL aye!

 

Glad I found this thread.Adjusted belt as instructed,no more screeching in morning when cold,Cheers.

 

LOL aye but mines has just started doing it again.

Not sure if it needs tightened again or if the belt is just stretched. I'll try tightening again but probably buy a new belt just in case as they don't cost much anyways.