How do you release the tension on the serptenie belt on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix?

How do you release the tension on the serptenie belt on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix to replace the belt? I see the idler arm which has a capped opening but no nut behind it to move the arm, if indeed that is what moves?How do you release the tension on the serptenie belt on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix?What you will see is there will be a round aluminum part that will be connected to the back side of one of the idler wheels. Look at all the idler's...probably only two of them, that are smooth. The aluminum colored part will have a square that a 3/8 drive ratchet will fit into. If it does not have this...then you will see aluminum just attached to the back of the idler, that extends out. In this case, just get ( I believe a 15mm socket) and I believe you go counter clockwise....it will be spring loaded. On alot of these cars you have to use what is called a crows foot socket, because there is not enough space between that nut and the unibody. In that case, if you can get a wrench on that nut, you may be able to do it with that...although you have less torque to apply, and sometimes the spring tension is heavy. I use to run an auto electric shop for 5 years and this was pretty much the case on all these vehicles...hope this helps ya!How do you release the tension on the serptenie belt on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix?You are very welcome...glad I could help!

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How do you release the tension on the serptenie belt on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix?A 1/2 inch socket drive handle fits into the recessed drive opening in the center of the tension pulley. Use a piece of pipe to fit over the socket handle to extend it and get more leverage to rotate the tensioner spring and release the serpentine belt.



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http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_cHow do you release the tension on the serptenie belt on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix?The entire pulley assembly will rotate. Cast into the arm is a 3/8 or 1/2 in square drive hole. The easiest way is to pick up a serpentine belt tool which is a square drive mounted on a 24in long handle made of thin metal for clearance purposes. If you have a thin ratchet you maybe able to get access. Use a pipe with the ratchet for additional leverage.