putting a belt on a 97

[tshrader]

help, how do you put a new belt (old one gone) on?

[95OldsHO]

The pulley with no ribs on it is the tensioner, it has no ribs because the backside of the belt is what it runs against. Use the tool of your choice to turn the bolthead on it and it will rotate away from the belt, this will allow the belt to fit around all pulleys, once its on all the way, let the tensioner relax back into place against the belt and your done. Hope that helps, if not buy a manual.

[lonz]

Originally Posted by 95OldsHO

The pulley with no ribs on it is the tensioner, it has no ribs because the backside of the belt is what it runs against. Use the tool of your choice to turn the bolthead on it and it will rotate away from the belt, this will allow the belt to fit around all pulleys, once its on all the way, let the tensioner relax back into place against the belt and your done. Hope that helps, if not buy a manual.

Sorry to bring up an old thread but I have the same problem. Only problem is a cannot get the bolthead to loosen. When I put a wrench on it and turn the only thing that happens is the tensioner assembly moves slightly. I don't want to just keep cranking and break something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
LonZ

[dhaywood77]

I struggled with the same problem. It takes generous amounts of torque to get the tensior to move which normally isn't a problem but witth the cramped quarters is easier said than done. I luckily had a friend with a tool with this problem in mind. It's flat and about 2-3 feet long with two different bolt head patterns cut in the end of it. It makes the whole job alot easier.