belt tensioner bolts spin free without moving compressor/alternator/steering pump

[rdarney]

So I'm finishing up a timing job on my e30, and I ran into a problem after reassembly was almost completed: My tensioner bolts spin, but the teeth that ride on the rack on the bracket do not meet. So, for example, the first one I found was the A/C compressor. I loosened the bolt securing the compressor to the block and was ready to adjust the distance from pulley to pulley, but I ran into a problem when I found out the adjustment bolt spun free of the rack it sits in. I have pictures to come.

My question is, is there a fix to reuse old brackets? It feels like my only options are to just tighten the shit out of them when they are in place and adjusted and just say screw the teeth or buy all new brackets and adjustment bolts.

Thoughts?

Thanks

PS-New to the forum, first post and I wanna say hello to all these beautiful cars on here!

[itsonlygeorge]

New brackets are cheap. If you broke the teeth you will need a replacement. Try a local junk yard.


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[jeffnhiscars]

Do what people did before we knew e30s had adjusters with teeth...loosen the bolts, pry with a crow bar or big screw driver, tighten bolts.

[rdarney]

Do what people did before we knew e30s had adjusters with teeth...loosen the bolts, pry with a crow bar or big screw driver, tighten bolts.

Worked like a charm. New brackets are on the way, but it also is my daily driver...

Thanks for the help, guys.