'98 E320 Serpentine Belt Replacement

[TSG77]

Subject car is just out of warranty, so now it's time to do those things that I can for myself. The serpentine belt needs replacement. As I stare into the abyss of the front engine compartment, I can trace the belt's path, but it isn't intuitive how to release the belts tension for removal and subsequent replacement. Normally it would be an accessory device, alternator, compressor, etc, but on this engine, what comes loose to free the belt?
Anyone out there successfully undertaken this job before? Wanna tell me what you learned? Please!

Rudy

[mechy1barry]

could be any one of 3.try pulling on belt and see if tensioner is fitted,(belt will give, and tensioner move)..some were fitted with adjuster under the generator.(remove lower tray). finally if shock fitted to front of motor, remove upper bolt whilst holding with bar through hole. hope this helps,good luck!.

[TSG77]

Pete, Thanks for responding. When tightening the belt, I can identify a spring loaded tensioner pully in the center of the motor front. From your feedback, I'm assuming that's the pully to "unload" by unbolting the shock, then replace the belt. In your experience, to facilitate said process, do I need to first remove other parts; fan, fan shroud, other accessories? Or can this job be done "easily" by just attacking the tensioner pully?
Thanks,
Rudy

[mechy1barry]

possibly removal of upper radiator cowl if poss,(could be in two halves) then insert bar into hole in adj,remove bolt and slacken belt by releasing pressure on shock,install reverse order.