I would appreciate any pointers:

Is the tension release nut located on the inside or the outside of the tensioner? I do see a nut on the inside but outside is not visible at all. Are any special tools needed? Is it cw or ccw to release tension?

Thanks!!

Al

 

ignore this post

 

I'm just trying to figure out how to replace the belt. I haven't touched it yet.

 

some tensioners have a square hole for the breaker bar or ratchet to snap in and be able to release tension from the belt... other tensioners you have to apply pressure to the bolthead in center of tensioner pulley. i am guessing this is one in the center of pulley and probably needs twisted clocckwise so as not to loosen the bolt any in the pulley. hope this helps, but i know them pulleys can be a pain if you dont have an extra hand sometimes.

 

Well I can see a bolt in the center of the pulley so will give that a try. Thanks for your help.

 

on my mom's 01 Taurus, I had to use a socket on the tensioner pulley with my breakover bar... the nice part is that it requires you to push right in relation to the bolt so it doesn't come loose on you. I was replacing the idler pulley at the time... the biggest problem I had was that the working space is so confined.

 

Thanks. Was that on a dohc engine? Were you able to get a normal socket on that bolthead and did you turn it cw to release tension?

 

no, that was the SOHC engine, but the belts are the same on both for the accessories. and yes, righty tighty. clockwise. I have wall grabber sockets, but regular sockets should work. It would probably be better to use sockets designed to fit the head if you plan to use a breakover bar like I did instead of the 12 point sockets that come in standard sets to help prevent rounding the corners, but yes, standard socket should work fine.