Fix It

The 1997 Isuzu Trooper was available in three trim levels: S, LS and Limited. All three were equipped with a 3.2-liter V-6 engine that produced 190-horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. The 1997 Isuzu Trooper engine utilizes three different belts to propel the belt driven engine parts. The tension on the belt is controlled by the swivel mounting bracket on the power steering pump. Adjusting the power steering pump will tighten the serpentine belt.

Instructions

Power Steering Belt Adjustment

1

Open the hood on the Trooper and set the hood prop. Position your body near the power steering pump, in the front of the engine compartment.

2

Loosen the power steering pump swivel mounting bolt on the bottom of the pump using a ratchet and socket. Loosen the power steering pump adjuster bolt on the adjuster plate. Push the power steering pump upward using a small pry bar between the pump housing and the engine block if needed. Tighten the adjuster bolt while maintaining pressure upward on the pump.

3

Tighten the adjuster bolt to 34 foot-pounds using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket. Tighten the bottom pump swivel mounting bolt to 34 foot-pounds.

4

Step to the drivers side of the truck and start the engine. Press the gas pedal slightly to increase the engine rpm. If the belt still makes a noise, inspect the belt tensioner plate. If the adjuster bolt is at the limit of its adjustment and you still have a belt squeal, the belt needs to be replaced. If the belt noise still exists and you have room for more adjustment, tighten the belt by repeating steps 2 and 3, until the belt squeal goes away.

Alternator Belt Adjustment

5

Loosen the fixing bolt and the lock bolt on the alternator using a ratchet and socket.

6

Rotate the adjuster bolt in the side of the adjuster to add tension to the alternator belt. Tighten the fixing bolt to 16 foot-pounds and the lock bolt to 17 foot-pounds, using a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.

7

Proceed to the drivers side of the Trooper and start the engine. If the alternator belt still produces a squealing noise and the adjuster is set at its maximum adjustment, the belt needs to be replaced. If the belt makes a noise and there is more room for adjustment, readjust the belt using steps 1 and 2.

Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Adjustment

8

Loosen the lock bolt on the tensioner assembly. Rotate the adjuster bolt to tighten the tension on the A/C compressor belt.

9

Tighten the lock bolt to 37 foot-pounds with a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.

10

Proceed to the drivers side of the Trooper and start the engine. If the air conditioning belt makes a squealing noise, shut the engine off and readjust the belt tighter using steps 1 and 2. If the tensioner is set to its maximum outward position, the belt needs to be replaced.

There is nothing more worrisome than strange noises emanating from your car. Whether it is a rattle, squeak, pop or crunch, it is safe to assume that whatever is causing the noise is not doing your vehicle any favors. Transmissions are complicated mechanical devices with hundreds of moving parts. While you may not be able to sort out exactly what is happening by sound alone, you should be able to get a decent idea of where the problem lies.

Instructions

1

Listen carefully to the noise your transmission makes. Correctly identifying the source of transmission noise depends on the type of sound you hear, so note whether it is a rattle, crunch or another noise.

2

Take notice of when the sound occurs. Noises that occur while shifting could be related to the clutch linkage or clutch shaft pilot bearing, while a low rattle in fifth gear could be caused by the way your car is built.

3

Pay attention to whether the noise is consistent or occurs at seemingly random times. For instance, if your transmission emits a loud clunking noise every time you shift into reverse, the problem is significantly different from the occasional squeak from your clutch. Consistent, loud noises are a source for concern.

4

Allow your vehicle to idle in neutral. Listen for any signs of engine failure or other problems. The sounds you hear may seem to be related to your transmission, but may in fact be issues with your transaxle, wheel bearings or CV joints. Letting the car idle in neutral for a while helps separate engine problems from transmission problems.