HOW TO: Change your serpentine belt on a 95-02 2.2L

[vsLAN]

Is there a way to by-pass the A/C with a smaller belt? the A/C compressor went out, and we dont use the A/C... its a 97 Cavalier 2.2L

[mileena]

Originally Posted by jstillings

This is a great thread and helpful picture. I need to change a water pump and have been struggling with getting the serp belt off first.

My '96 Cav 2.2L does not have the tensioner - so from your post I assume the tension is applied by the idler. Question is how to release the tension on the idler. I have the 15mm center bolt on the idler pulley almost loose, but am hesitant to take it out with the belt loaded... is there a release mechanism on the idler ass'y somewhere?

BTW, as you indicated, it took a lot of very small turns with an offset 15mm wrench to get the nut loose - not a lot of room in there.

thanks in advance.

On my 91 Cav 2.2, you put the 15 mm box wrench over the idler pulley bolt and press down on the wrench handle, clockwise (as if you were tightening the bolt). But the idler pulley moves down before the bolt tightens too much. The idler pulley springs back up when you take off the wrench. Don't be scared to press down on the wrench handle to move the pulley. Press down, clockwise, towards the ground. When the pulley is in the down position is when you remove and then install the new belt.

[vamc]

Originally Posted by Langning

On my 96 2.2 Cav LS, the tensioner is the idler pulley. The belt removing tool is too long to pull down to give me enough slack when putting the new belt on and I needed a low profile (thin) 3/8 ratchet with 15mm (?) hex socket. My Gatorback Poli V belt is only around $20 from my local autozone.

How far are you from HOLYOKE, sorry to be a little off subject. Just wondering.

[jakegday]

Originally Posted by vamc

How far are you from HOLYOKE, sorry to be a little off subject. Just wondering.

you might try emailing him, since his post is almost a year old....

[Langning]

Originally Posted by jakegday

you might try emailing him, since his post is almost a year old....

I gave away my Cav and now spending time on the Grand Prix forum . Marlblorugh, MA is probably 1 to 1.5 hours on I-90 from Holyoke, MA...

Re-reading of my original post, the low profile ratchet is called "Gear Ratchet" at Sear's retailing for around $40 or so a full set of MM/SAE 1/4 & 3/8 sockets. I used them on my other projects (especially on rear strut top nuts) and it is a time-saver... If anyone want to remove the belt on Cav, it is the must-have tool.

[vamc]

ok!

[03Ragtop]

Originally Posted by vsLAN

Is there a way to by-pass the A/C with a smaller belt? the A/C compressor went out, and we dont use the A/C... its a 97 Cavalier 2.2L

Mine just crapped out on my 01 with only 65k miles. I'd love to just bypass it for the winter.

[ricebike]

u can just bypass it when u goto the parts store & mention your car doesn't have AC... correct me if i'm wrong...

[1stcavyz24]

would this write up work for my 99 2.4?

[vamc]

Should!

[1stcavyz24]

alright i guess i'll give it a shot then :P

[Prophet222]

I know this thread is a little old, but...

I need a diagram for a 1996 2.2L *WITHOUT* the tensioner (tensioner/idler pulley combined). The parts stores don't have a diagram for this, they all include a seperate tensioner and seem to think I'm lying about not having one.

http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?i...pentine7to.png

Thanks in advance for any help at all!

[Cavalier2000]

i would think your lying as well. Take a pic of the side of your engine somehow

[Prophet222]

Originally Posted by Cavalier2000

i would think your lying as well. Take a pic of the side of your engine somehow

You're probably a parts guy, too.

If you've worked on these, you know what you're asking is pretty much impossible without pulling the engine or having some super slim wide angle camera. Here's the best I can do.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4346/img27294km.jpg

This is a shot of the PS pulley. If it had a seperate tensioner, it would be right below. It does not.

[Prophet222]

Finally got it. If this ever comes up for someone else...

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/6...pentine1mr.png

This is for a 2.2L in a Cavalier with a manufacture date of 1/96.