Serpentine belt tensioner troubles

[KCinNE]

1994 S-10 Pickup
I just replaced my altenator and I cant seam to get the Serpentine belt back on.
The belt came right off when I removed it. (no broblem)
IS there a adjustment on the tensioner?
DO they go bad?
The belt is on right and all,
I just cant get the tensioner to move far enough to get the belt back on.
any sugustions?

[chcknugget]

You might want an extra set of hands to help you pull. I know that there are also wrenches to make it easier too (if you have the money). I had to do this last year and it was a pain, but the tensioner will eventually move.

[OverBoardProject]

double, and tripple check to make sure that it's on the right way, they can be tricky that way

Plus chcknugget is right, an extra set of hands helps

[erskin]

It will ALWAYS come off easier..LOL
yes, make sure it is on right.. the spring in the tensioner could be bad, but not likely. I just replaced mine, the pulley, and it can be a bear..but you can do it, just take your time

[vtmecheng]

It can be easier to put the belt around all the pulleys but the alternator. With someone holding the belt just in front of the alternator pulley, crank back on the tensioner and slide the belt in place. For some reason I have always found it easier doing the alternator last.

[balls_to_the_wall]

I just replaced the alternator in my truck...no problem what so ever getting the belt back on...had it all done in under 20 minutes...For the serpentine belt, what i did was get a long ratchet handle and like a 15mm or whatever size hex head is on the tensioner, and then you just lean on it and pull the tensioner out of the way, then slip the belt back on. MAKING SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE OUT OF THE WAY, let the tensioner back down, then your done.

[tysonre]

I've had to replace mine several times and every time its' a nightmare and I'm beginning to wonder whether there is a problem with my tensioner. I don't have a problem with the method for moving it - a 15 mm box end on the pully bolt and a short piece of pipe on the wrench works well - and yes a friend to hold that while you put on the belt is nice too. My problem is that the tensioner seems to have either a stop built into it or the spring has a limit to how far it can be compressed as it will only move so far and that's not quite far enough to get the belt on. I've removed the tensioner and examined it - can't see anything obviously broken, and I'm convinced i have it attached correctly and the belt routed correctly. Some how I've always been able to get the belt on, but only by using extreme measures, prying on the belt with screw drivers and such to slowly inch it over the edge of the AC pulley. Eventually it's on, but I'm sure something is wrong somewhere - it shouldn't be that hard! Any suggestions?

[JaVeRo]

I slip the belt over the top idler pulley last. It has a smooth surface.

[blazee]

Originally Posted by JaVeRo

I slip the belt over the top idler pulley last. It has a smooth surface.

Yeah, that's the best way to do it. Prying the belt on will damage it and cause premature failure.

[ZL1power69]

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