WARNING:Do not remove A/C belt tensioner locking bolt without first holding the tensioner with a 1/2" drive breaker bar, as personal injury could result.

NOTE:The A/C drive belt self tensioner is NOT a dynamic tensioner. After adjustment the tensioner bracket bolts are tightened. The torsion spring is no longer responsible for tensioning the A/C belt. The torsion spring is only used for initial belt tensioning.

Verify that torsion spring position is in the new belt position before installing a NEW belt. See Fig. 1 . If torsion spring is not in the new belt position, follow steps 1 -7 to change the tensioner spring from the USED belt position to the NEW belt position.
Insert a 1/2" drive breaker bar into the square opening on the tensioner. Hold counterclockwise pressure on tensioner while removing the locking bolt. See Fig. 2 .
Carefully release spring load of the torsion spring on the tensioner.
Remove pivot bolt, tensioner, and spring from front timing cover.
Insert spring arm into the NEW belt position on the tensioner. See Fig. 1 .
Install torsion spring, tensioner, and pivot bolt.
Install pivot bolt. Tighten only finger tight, at this time.
Using a 1/2" drive breaker bar, apply counter-clockwise pressure until locking bolt can be installed.
Install the NEW belt by rotating the tensioner counterclockwise until the NEW belt can be installed on pulleys.
Release tensioner and remove breaker bar. Belt is automatically adjusted with the tensioner's torsion spring.
Tighten tensioner locking bolt and pivot bolt to 250 in. lbs. (28 Nm).
Install generator/power steering belt.

Answered by BMRFIXIT (expert)
19,736 answers provided