A/C belt
 

Okay so I've tried everything to get my A/C belt on my car and it just won't go on.... Is tree anything I can do to get it on without tearing up every belt?!?!

With the idler/adjuster loosened, it should be an easy slip on with the right length belt.

If you have not loosened the idler, make sure you loosen the bolt through the idler before turning the adjuster bolt.

The idler is completey down and there is no adjuster bolt... We've tried everything!! :/

The 08 Impreza lost the tensioner pulley. Instead they use a stretch belt. From what I can gather online, you can loosen the AC compressor and then use the provided tool (or a screwdriver) to stretch the belt onto the pulley.


http://i31.tinypic.com/5mb7fq.jpg

What Nick said: it's a stretch belt now, and a huge PITA ass to install. I think you pretty much have to have the special tool. :(

Figured out the problem..... Have to buy a special belt that stretches.... $106 belt!!

Yeah this sucks!! Why did subaru have to change it on the car I got!! ERRRR!!

*sigh* Boy, I'm so glad they reduced the cost/complexity of a $10 belt and $40 tensioner by using a $106 belt and a $100 installation tool! :mad:

Yeah but then they changed it back to the old way on the 2010's and up!!

Really? I wonder if my '09 Outback is stretch belt or not. I'm pretty sure it is. :(

Gates #91030 Micro-V Stretch Fit Installation Tool is available online for less than $15 shipped. Locally O'Reilly has them in stock for $15.99. But don't tell my boss I told you.

Oh wait... I am my boss!

Matt

I already got the tools... one of my friends gave me them for free

Oops, just found out that we also need Gates #91031 Subaru Installation tool for
Micro-V Stretch Fit Belts. Yay, Subaru!

http://gates.com/stretchfit/

We have them both.

Is that the Subaru retail price? We would sell the Gates stretch belt for about $43 installed, which is not much more than the regular type.

the 08+ still has the bracket to run the older style tensioner. just need the tensioner and a different length belt since the pulley is smaller than the 02-07. i did this to my 08.

I realize this is an old forum post but I just found out last weekend about this when doing a tune-up to my 08 impy. Has anyone purchased the stretcher from gates that could be leased or borrowed (beer or whatever) so I can do this and save the 100$? I bought the belt already for a large discount. Don't want to spend the $30 online if I can find something locally. Thanks