Belt tension question

I recently replaced all three belts on my 2002 Tacoma. They were all fairly snug after installing and now after a short period of time they have stretched some.
Im not a certified mechanic but I dont have a problem with tightening them up again but I sure would like to know if there is an idiot proof way to make sure they are tightened fairly close to specs so I can properly keep them that way ?
I dont want to keep them over tightened or too lose as you can understand.
Thanks.

 

The factory service manual should have a deflection specification (how far you can push it in the middle of the span between the two pulleys). Or you can go with "if it's squealing, tighten it a turn or so". if that doesn't work, do it again. I kept a few box wrenches in my glove compartment until i got mine right because i don't find the deflection guidance that helpful.

 

Sounds like you went about it the safe way, same way I do my own vehicles as well. I'd rather have to go back and snug it up a little after that initial stretch/break in period, rather than over tighten it and possibly add stress to the pulley's bearings . Toomuchtodo gave some sound advice above.

 

plus you really only need a few wrenches for most of the bolts on our trucks. those box wrenches can come in handy in plenty of other situations as well. i keep a 10, 12, and 14 with me all the time.

 

Thanks for all the help.
I will do as suggested and tighten just a little at a time, or as need be for each one.
Thanks again and sorry it took me so long to respond.

 

1/2 inch deflection at the middle is the generic standard.

 

Not surprising, new belts will tend to stretch a tad..