Accesory belt Replacement on 98 2.0,,AAARG!!!!!

[ITFD]

Has anyone ever replaced one of these belts? I worked for 4 hours trying to get the new one on but I can't get the tensioner backed off far enough.
Every thing I tried ran into the same problem, no room for any leverage, not enough room to fit the socket wrench, no room to work.

[pre98zetec]

you have to use a box wrench, 1/2" if i remember right.. it's a pain in the ass if you are working alone.. assuming you know where the tensioner is put the wrench on it (put it pretty far up because you have to pull down) pull down on it a little bit and get a firm grip on it and pull down some more. or if you want the easy way out just cut the belt and put the new one on.. put the belt on the A/C pulley LAST (I found this to be the easiest way) you can get a pipe to put over the wrench to get more leverage (I recommend this, but I don't usually do it this way).

[ITFD]

Are you saying to work from under the car or with the wheel off?

[pre98zetec]

yes,.. with the wheel off.. I forgot that part.. it's pretty much impossible to do it any other way.

[ITFD]

Thanx a million. Got the belt on no problem AND my blood pressue is going back down too normal.