'98 2.4L Alternator cont.

d_goldsmith:

I'm still not sure how to loosen the tension on my belt? I think the idler pulley (the center pulley on the picture I put in above) might be it? It has a nut on it that is 1/2 or a bit smaller, and I'm thinking that maybe if I get a bar on a wrench that fits that nut, and push it toward the fire wall it might move that pulley toward the firewall and loosen the tension. But I'm afraid it will just undo the nut a bit and maybe break what ever is holding the pulley on (because there's a bunch of tension on it). I'm going to make a new thread since this one has so much confusion in it.

d_goldsmith, look as closely as possible. Does the tensioner look like the one pictured?

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/1724872200.JPG

This is gm's 2.2L powerplant. The tensioner on this motor has a red arrow pointing at it. On this example, to relieve belt tension, one would insert a 3/8" drive ratchet into the square notch in the center of the idler pulley. Ratchet handle straight up, pull toward front of car.

I hope this helps you somehow, I'll go searching for a pic of the 2.4L.

-Mark T.

1) Put the 1/2 inch socket end into it;
2) Put the hole on a crescent wrench into it;
3) Push down on it; and
4) Viola!