how do i release the tension to change my belt ?

 

What kind of motor do you have?

well either way i think there should be a sticker under the hood up front that shows which one it is. Just get the right sized socket/wrench and try to either tighten or loosen that bolt and the whole arm will move.

 

while standing in front of the truck, the tensioner should be on the left side of the engine. use a 3/8 drive socket wrench and insert it in the square hole. grab the wrench and push/pull clockwise. be careful while removing the belt and never have ur fingers between the belt and pully.

 

thanks but there is no square hole on it/ i have a 2001 with a 3.0. on the tensioner there is just a small bolt in the middle. looks like about 3/8. i don't get it. i have done the belt on my f 150 and i just put a big socket on it. and in the oldsmobile it used the 3/8 ratchet deal but this one is different

 

ok, on the 3.0 the tensioner should be on the right side(looking from the front) near the top kinda. Just put the right size socket on their and try to crank it to the right(i think)

 

ok. are you talking about the pulley bolt, because the tensioner itself does not have a 15mm bolt but the pulley does

 

i have the 4.0 and mine i know is a 3/8 socket wrench and i crank it clockwise and wooaaalaaa...... easy as cake. i did my buddies 3.0 and now that i think about it mroctober16 is right. it is on the right side. but still a 3/8 drive.

 

dont take the bolt out!!! it is under pressure and you can hurt yourself. that is the pivot point. the tensioner is like an arm and it will kick-out away from the belt to relieve the pressure on the belt for removal.

 

i know how it works but there is nowhere to put a socket except the bolt on the pulley.is that the one. i feel like im gonna break it . it is not letting up like it should

 

there should be a square hole in the middle but if there isnt one..... pb blaster? jus becareful not to spray the belt and or pullies.

 

wholy **** I'm just about to do the very same thing! this is a perfect read! Now let's get a soild answer! Please and thanks-you! lol

 

yea put it on the bolt and try to crank it like your tightening it. it should swing out.

 

Go to Autozone and borrow their tool .
Use the 15mm socket and pull clockwise (tighten bolt head) on the tensioner pulley. (the one next to the water pump pulley) After tension is loose , pull belt off the alternator and take belt off. (you have to wiggle it out of the fan housing) replace belt.
Get the gatorback belt it's great.
Hope this helps
MaxB

 

thanks. i got it off but now the gatorback belet tha i got from autozone will not go on . i have tried 3 times and put the old one back on no problem. do you know the part # for the belt. the one they gave me is 4060882