How do I release the tension on the serpentine belt

Tiny
AJD1800
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
How do I release the tension on the serpentine belt so I can replace the alternator.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 8:04 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
That's what I needed. These are the routing diagrams for both with air pump and without. Tighten that single bolt in the middle of the tensioner.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_43_2.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Belts_1.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_beltsa_1.jpg

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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
AJD1800
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It seems that the bolt on the pulley that the belt rides on will not tighten? I will go try again.
When I first started the project, I did not know how to release tension, so I loosened the bolt on the part that has the spring in it, I realized that was wrong and then tightens it. Then I found out that I needed to put a wrench on the "pulley" bolt and turn counter clockwise

So you are saying to have the belt in the correct position and then tighten the bolt that is in the "pulley touching the belt?

Thanks, sorry for the confusion(on my part)
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Make sure the tensioner is installed right, there is a peg on the tensioner and a hole in the block, this keeps the tensioner from moving, then use the wrenches or square drive wrench to move the tensioner and put the belt on.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
AJD1800
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As far as the tensioner being installed correctly, I did nothing to it but move it so I could release the belt
I just came in from making sure everything is tight

when I start the truck it is ok, then I put the AC on and it starts to ratlle some, when I rev the motor it stops rattling until it revs down, AC work fine. I am perplexed
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Did you check the pulley? It has bearings in it and if when you spin it, its loose or rough then the bearings may be bad, take the belt off, spin the pulley on that and the idler and the a/c, they should be smooth feeling and no binding, one may not be good.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
AJD1800
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I will have to let it cool down and then I will check.I guess I am just stuck on the fact that it was fine before I replaced the alternator. But I guess I better rulle everything out.

I will get back to you

Thanks again
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
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Not impossible that you got a defective alternator, it is a rebuilt after all. But I would still check them all.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008 AT 1:01 PM

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