how the heck do you release the tensioner pulley?

[MarauderOK]

I'm at a complete loss at how I'm supposed to get the belt off the tensioner. I've attached a pic, is this the OEM tensioner, or is this an aftermarket one?

dumb question I bet. :stupid:

[justbob]

See the square hole? Put a ratchet in it and lift up.

It's stock.


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[Joe Walsh]

Put a 1/2" socket wrench or breaker bar (without any sockets attached) into the 1/2" square hole visible in the pulley bracket and pull it back to release the tension while you slip off the belt with your free hand.

[champ1173]

I think there's a video on youtube.

[Mebot]

See post #2

Can't stop the signal...

[MarauderOK]

Put a 1/2" socket wrench or breaker bar (without any sockets attached) into the 1/2" square hole visible in the pulley bracket and pull it back to release the tension while you slip off the belt with your free hand.

Key piece of information here. Thanks folks :o:o:o:o

[Mebot]

And post #3

Can't stop the signal...

[daddyusmaximus]

Just wanted to jump in... I knew this one. Yeah me!

[fastblackmerc]

I have nothing constructive to add to this thread............... :shake:

[tbone]

We've all had our first time working on cars and asked questions that irritate some. Glad you were treated with respect and not burned at the stake......

[Zack]

Its 3/8" not 1/2"

[daddyusmaximus]

Could be on the car. I haven't looked at mine since I got it, but the one on my F-250 was 1/2". In either case at least he knows how to get it now.

This was me a few years back. I was used to the old cars where you had to take the slack off by loosening the alt. I got my wife a new van back in 2006 with a similar set up and I was like WTF? Yes, I got the answer from the internet. Sometimes I hate these new cars with all there electronic wires and crap, but they run good. I love the new tensioner design now. It's cool, (and very easy) once you know the trick.

[Lowndex]

See the square hole? Put a ratchet in it and lift up.

It's stock.


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I love your dirty talk. :)

[Turbov6Bryan]

Its always best to ask before you break something!

Weve all been there, no worries:beer:

[Chevyguy]

The old style tensioner with 3 bolts has a 1/2 in square drive. The panthers switched to the current tensioner in the 2000 model year. One bolt holds it to the front cover.


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[not5-0]

Do you need to remove belt to replace tensioner?

[fastblackmerc]

Do you need to remove belt to replace tensioner?

If the tensioner keeps the belt at the proper tension..... what do you think?

I'd love to see a video of someone attempting to replace a tensioner with the belt still on...........

[fastblackmerc]

https://www.gatestechzone.com/en/problem-diagnosis/accessory-drive-system/tensioner-failure-signs

[RubberCtyRauder]

This post from the OP is well over a year old, highly doubt he is still having issues. Why bring up the dead post?

[not5-0]

I remember the days long ago when members would just answer the questions asked.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Do you need to remove belt to replace tensioner?

I thought you were asking the OP, thus my response The belt has to come off the tensioner to remove the tensioner, but you prolly don't need to remove it from all pulleys, just gotta remember how it I srouted

[ledzilla]

Should I also point out that the stock tensioner uses a 3/8" ratchet not a 1/2" ratchet?

[fastblackmerc]

Should I also point out that the stock tensioner uses a 3/8" ratchet not a 1/2" ratchet?

Already mentioned in post# 11.

[ledzilla]

Already mentioned in post# 11.

My mistake. I must have glossed over it, thinking I was looking at a signature.

[crouse]

I used a 1/2" breaker bar with a 3/8" reducer. It's easier to hold the tensioner compressed with a longer bar while trying to install the belt without a helper.