How do I loosen tensioner on serpentine belt?

[Sergeant Rock]

Help!

I'm trying to remove the AC pump and need to loosen the serpentine belt. Do you need a special tool to adjust the tensioner? There is a half inch bolt on the tensioner that I have loosened but I don't want to loosen it too much. Will the tensioner release as I loosen the bolt? Do I need to pry on it? It almost looks like it takes a special tool.

92 Ford Escort Wagon

[GTP Dad]

Tighten the bolt back up. The tensioner should move in the opposite direction of tension. Simply place a rachet of the appropriate size in the square hole and pull gently. It should move enough to allow you to remove the belt. Once the belt is off release tension, put the new belt in place and pull tension again, put the belt under the tensioner and return it to the appropriate place. Should work fine.
If you can't reach it with a rachet, then Sears sells a tool made just for this job for about $20.

[Sergeant Rock]

Wow. Do I feel like a dope! Thanks!