Replacing Water Pump

[Jeffrey93]

I've read the Haynes manual on how to do this, the issue I am having is accessing the area I need to so I can ease the tension on the serpentine belt. The rest looks rather straight forward (I think!).

I have a 1997 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L that I am toying around with. It's been over-heating lately, I have drained the coolant and re-filled while also replacing the thermostat...I still have the same issue. So...I decided I'd change the water pump to see if that is the problem.

I have a couple questions:
1 - Does a 1997 Cavalier 2.2L have a tensioner pulley? If so, where is it?
2 - If it does not have a tensioner pulley...and instead uses the idler to reduce belt tension how do I get at it?!?

The pulley I believe I needed to get to seems incredibly hard to get at. I've attached a picture of what I mean...I figure I need to remove the black thing that I labelled "WTF?"...am I correct in assuming this?! Can I remove the belt without removing anything else?!

[Jmrec100]

I have a 1999. I have changed the alternator and the belt. First time I used brute force when putting the belt back on and a lot of colorful language. 2nd time when replacing the belt, I learned something. You can press the idler pulley back and the belt comes off easy. I used a 1x3 piece of wood and pressed on it. Easy. There is a link in this forum that shows it and the routing of the belt. Good picture too. I will look for it later but if you do a search, it pops up. Good luck

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FOUND IT.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=309192

[Helmuth48]

Yes, it has a tensioner. If you put a long box wrench or short socket with a long handle on the head of the bolt and turn it "Clockwise" it will release the tension on the Serpentine belt.

I actually purchased a special tool kit, bar and sockets from Advance Auto to remove belts.

Cheers mate...I have another tinny!!