Thread: Tool for pwr steering belt adjustment

I'm replacing the power steering/water pump belt on my B13 SE-R. I've got AC and ABS crap blocking access to the power steering pump adjustment bolt.

I've loosened the pivot bolt on the pwr steering pump and the bolt that locks the adjustment bolt down, but I can't reach the head of the adjustment bolt itself.

I've tried flex head ratcheting wrenches, and even using an extended flex head ratchet and socket from below. The new belt doesn't even come close to being pried/rolled on, seems the pwr steering pump was previously adjusted out to the max.

Other threads I've searched make this seem pretty straight forward, but I'm not sure if they're on a B13 with ABS and AC.

Which tool have you guys used to reach the power steering pump adjusting bolt head?

aww man I feel your pain.My current car has no abs,but I have been there before.
I thought I used a flex ratchet wrench like you said you tried...maybe not,hmmmmmmm.
How about a 1/4 inch drive ratchet with a shallow 12mm maybe??

Been there bro, I also have abs and a/c. the only thing that worked for me to loosen it up, I used a small stubby 12mm wrench or if u have a cheap harbor freight one cut it in half and take your time cuz its a b*tch to do. To make it harder for me i have big hands no girly ones that would make it much easier to do.

I also tried it with a 1/4 rachet with 12 but didn't work an abs brake line was on the way.. Well didn't work for me at least.

mini 1/4" ratchet with a 12

i've never had an issue doing this, high port or ve, abs or non abs. not sure what the problem is?

you must have midget hands

i wish that was the case.. there's plenty of things i can not reach, but the p/s adjuster isn't one of them.

The problem is that all the ABS stuff covers the adjusting bolt so completely that you can't even see it until you pry the power steering hose to one side.

The head of the adjusting bolt is nestled among the hard lines to the ABS unit so you can't fit a socket, on it. Even a 1/4" drive mini ratchet (from below) hits the hard line. A flex head ratcheting wrench just bends out of position by the time you work it down. A non flex head ratcheting wrench falls of the head of the bolt as soon as you try to turn it.

But I've got it figured out now.

First, thanks every one for all your help, knowing you guys did it kept me at it. OK for any one else who's having a problem here's what I did.

Went to Harbor Freight and got the long handle combination wrench set # 47067.

First, I used a long ass screw driver to wedge the power steering hose over to the drivers side, this gave me some access and line of vision.

Next, I was able to get to the bolt, that locks the adjusting bolt, using the long handled 12mm wrench, by going in side ways (beside the oil filter) instead of from the top, to loosen the lock bolt.

The 14mm pivot bolt is easily accessible from below and is no problem. Just don't back it all the way out of the weld nut because it's a problem to get lined up once the belt is on. Ask me how I know.

Then I duct taped the long handled wrench to a ratcheting wrench (non flex head). This gave me the reach I needed, but the wrench still slipped off the head of the adjusting bolt as soon as I turned it.

I was lucky enough to have some help from another SE-R owner. I was able to reach my hand up from underneath the car and get a couple fingers on the head of the ratcheting wench (to keep it from slipping off the adjusting bolt) while he turned the wrench.

This worked but was a pain because the wrench was only able to move 2 clicks at a time (5 degrees per click) because of the limited room between the ABS unit and the AC lines. Slow but it worked.

That's how I got the power steering loose, then put the belt on and used the same method to tighten things back up.

Not that I want to do this again, but if I have to, I know how to make a tool with duct tape and wrenches.

The 14mm pivot bolt is easily accessible from below and is no problem. Just don't back it all the way out of the weld nut because it's a problem to get lined up once the belt is on. Ask me how I know.



I'm up against the same thing. I did this years ago on my B14 but can't remember a thing about it now. But I have the bolts loose on the top at the adjustment area by the oil filter. Just can't get the pivot bolt to give so I can slip the belt on over onto the water pump Pulley. Which way are you pulling to loosen it (the pivot)? Towards the front bumper (down) or away (up)? I'm gonna have to get a longer handled socket wrench to get a good grip.