Q: What is the role of the accessory drive belts located at the front of the engine on Mercury Capri?
A: There are accessory drive belts at the front of the engine that drives important components like the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, and air pump. To avoid wear and slippage, it is important to maintain their condition and tension. Periodic inspections are necessary since belts can stretch and deteriorate with age. Visual checks involve looking for cracks, wear, and glazed belts. Also, tension checks can be made by either of two methods, pulling on the belt with your fingers (the rule of thumb) or using a special tension gauge. Most new models have automatic tensioners while some require manual adjustments. Loosening parts, taking out the old belt, and correctly installing the new one are all involved in the replacement.