How do you change the power steering belt on a 1998 Mazda Protege?

Answer

I just replaced the power steering belt and alternator belt of my 1998 Mazda Protege ES and it took me quite many hours to figure it out since there is hardly sufficient space to see and reach to all the bolts.

For power steering belt, from top of the engine compartment, use a 14 mm ratchet socket turning couter clockwise of the tension screw located underneath power steering pump to release the belt tension. Then, either use a 14 mm boxed wrench to loosen the pivot screw bolt or rotate the power steering pulley to align the pulley openings to the pivot screw bolt so that one can fit the 14 mm ratchet socket through the opening to loosen the pivot screw bolt. Next, one needs to remove the right front wheel, support the car with jack stand. Also remove the front wheel well plastic cover to allow reach to the tension lock bolt that holds the power steering pump tension adjustment piece. Use a 14 mm boxed wrench, turning couter clockwise to loosen it. If the power steering pump drops downward and the belt is loose, remove the belt. If not, one can use a piece of wood, holding against the power steering pump body and hit with a hammer to force the power steering pump go downward and the belt should be loose enough to be removed.

To install the belt, just reverse the steps. Place the new belt over the power steering pulley, A/C compressor pulley if so equiped, and crank shaft pulley. Use a piece of wood to push the power steering pump upwards as far as one can, at the mean time, tighten the tension lock bolt with a 14 mm boxed wrench from the wheel well opening. Then, from top of the engine compartment, turn the tension adjustment screw clockwise to adjust the belt tension. Tighten the pivot screw bolt at last. Start the engine for a few minutes, check and belt tension, adjust if necessary.

Hope this helps and good luck.