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1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme - Tensioner Confusion


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socco
New User

Feb 25, 2013, 9:16 AM

Post #1 of 6 (2172 views)
1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme - Tensioner Confusion Sign In

Hey guys. Not a car guy, but I was attempting to change out my alternator myself. My issue is that I don't really understand how the tensioner works, and how to get the serpentine belt back on properly. I added a few pics to show you. There's only the one bolt on the tensioner that connects it to the body. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do when it's on there to relieve tension, and get the cable back on. Any help??

http://imgur.com/5S0oaCi
http://imgur.com/NNDyYYQ
http://imgur.com/VNyxOy2


(This post was edited by socco on Feb 25, 2013, 9:42 AM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Feb 25, 2013, 9:26 AM

Post #2 of 6 (2161 views)
Re: 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme - Tensioner Confusion Sign In

Put a open end wrench on the square part behind the pulley and pull it in the direction away from the belt.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Feb 25, 2013, 9:32 AM

Post #3 of 6 (2159 views)
Re: 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme - Tensioner Confusion Sign In

There is a 3/8 square in the middle of the tensioner. You can insert a 3/8 drive ratchet or breaker bar into the tensioner to rotate it (load it), so you can slip the belt on.

Something like this:







Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


socco
New User

Feb 25, 2013, 9:43 AM

Post #4 of 6 (2153 views)
Re: 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme - Tensioner Confusion Sign In

Added two more pictures.

You mean the bolt by the plastic part in the third picture? If so, how am I supposed to get to it? It's on the back of it...


edit: ohhhhh that square hole on the front? ahh I see, let me give that a try


(This post was edited by socco on Feb 25, 2013, 9:44 AM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Feb 25, 2013, 9:48 AM

Post #5 of 6 (2145 views)
Re: 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme - Tensioner Confusion Sign In

You might get more leverage with a long wrench but either one will work.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



socco
New User

Feb 25, 2013, 9:53 AM

Post #6 of 6 (2139 views)
Re: 1996 Olds Cutlass Supreme - Tensioner Confusion Sign In

Success! I know there was something I was missing completely. I was looking for a nut or bolt that I needed to loosen. Didn't realize it was just that square hole. Thanks for the help!

Now to fix what the real problem actually was, not my alternator but a parasitic battery drain (or so my research leads me to believe). But hey, I'm learning a lot in the process!






 
 
 






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