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Autopapyrus · Fiat Albea 1.4 8V (2011)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/fiat/albea/drive-belt-and-tensioner-pulley-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Fiat Albea 1.4 8V (2011): Drive Belt and Tensioner Pulley Replacement

On the Fiat Albea with the 1.4 8V engine, the belt that drives the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor is tensioned manually: this drive has no automatic tensioner. Tension is adjusted with an adjusting screw while the power steering pump mounting is loosened. That makes it important to set the tension correctly: a loose belt squeals and slips, while an over-tightened one quickly destroys the bearings of the alternator, the power steering pump and the pulley itself.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 1-2 hours Steps: 12 Tools: Socket set and open-end wrenches, ratchet with extension, screwdriver (for the splash shield screws), pry bar or wide flat screwdriver, car lift or inspection pit (optional), marker or chalk for alignment marks

Part

  • 🔩 Accessory drive belt (serpentine, matched to whether the car has A/C and power steering). Tensioner (idler) pulley with its mounting bolt. Replacing the belt and pulley together as a set is recommended. The exact part number depends on trim and equipment, so choose the belt by the length and rib count of the old one

Step by step

12 steps
  1. Shut off the engine and let it cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. If possible, raise the front right wheel, or work through the wheel arch after removing the fender liner.
  2. Remove the plastic engine bay shield: remove the two self-tapping screws (one is hidden behind the splash guard) and release the two clips at the edges.
  3. Inspect the belt for cracks, separation, fraying and oil stains. Check the pulley for play, noise and binding when turned by hand. Before removal, memorize or photograph the belt routing around the pulleys.
  4. Loosen the lower mounting bolt of the power steering pump, then loosen the upper mounting if there is one. Turn the adjusting screw to slacken the belt enough to slip it off the pulleys.
  5. Remove the belt. Turn the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor pulleys by hand: they should spin without noise or binding.
  6. If you are replacing the tensioner pulley, unscrew its center bolt, remove the pulley and install the new one. Tighten the bolt to the manufacturer's specification (for a bolt of this size, typically around 35-50 N·m (26-37 lb-ft)).
  7. Fit the new belt, making sure the ribs seat exactly in the grooves of all the pulleys. Put the belt on last over the pulley that is easiest to turn.
  8. Tension the belt with the adjusting screw (turning it clockwise increases tension). Check: the belt section between the crankshaft pulley and the A/C compressor should twist about 90 degrees with hand force. If there is no A/C, check the deflection on the longest span: about 5-8 mm when pressed with a finger using moderate force.
  9. Tighten the lower mounting bolt of the power steering pump, then the upper mounting, and lock the adjusting screw with its locknut.
  10. Start the engine for 1-2 minutes, check that there is no squealing or belt wobble, and make sure the belt has not shifted on the pulleys. Shut off the engine and recheck the tension.
  11. After 200-500 km (125-310 miles), check the tension again: a new belt stretches. Retighten if necessary.
  12. Install the engine bay shield and reconnect the battery terminal.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Do not over-tighten the belt: this quickly damages the alternator and power steering pump bearings. Do not use oil or spray on the belt. If squealing remains after replacement or the belt comes off, check pulley alignment and the condition of the pulley bearing. Confirm exact fastener torque values in the manufacturer's specifications for your trim.