2003 Corolla Serpintine Belt Change Question???

[Dave-99-Z-71]

I can not figure out how to release the tensioner so I can change my serpintine belt. I found this photo on the forum so I was wondering once you loosen the bolt below the wrench, Do you really have to put a snipe on the wrench to force it or am I missing a step????

Dave

[Dave-99-Z-71]

[Raddman]

Originally Posted by Dave-99-Z-71

I'm thinking about changing mine also and was wondering the same thing ....I was just going to loosen the alternator up and do it that way and its right on top easy to get at....

Maybe rice knows he's an expert on everything

~Radd

[White05]

Putting the wrench on that bolt does not loosen the bolt but rather moves the tensioner so it gives you slack on the belt. While you have slack pull the belt off the pullies.

Hope this helps.

[Dave-99-Z-71]

From the photo I know the wrench in the current position moves the tensior in order to gain slack to remove the belt. My question is that once I loosened the bolt just below the wrench, I was not able to make the tensioner release. I did not want to snipe it with a pipe because I did not know if I missed another bolt or step in order to release the tensioner? But maybe I am not putting enough torque on the wrench and should snipe it. Just don't want to break anything.

Dave

[White05]

Hmmmm,
You shouldn't have to loosen that bolt at all. As the belt starts to wear and loosen the tensioner should move freely to pick up the slack (so it won't slip as time wears on). You could try a longer wrench or pipe (like you said) to get more leverage. On the other cars I've owned instead of a bolt it was usually a 1/2" socket so you could use a breaker bar.

[tank1080]

theres no need to loosen that bolt under the wrench. it should pivot on that bolt. the only way you should loosen it is if you cannot move the adjuster

[joeking]

You dont loosen anything. You put the wrench on the nut underneath the one you have the wrench on and it takes lots of strength to tension it out so it is loose enough to get the belt off. When you let go of the wrench it will spring back. Use a huge breaker bar with a socket and it also works better with two people. One to hold the wrench and the other to install the belt. I have never replaced one on a Corolla but have on several other cars. The trick is use a huge breaker bar so the tensioner is easy to release. Hope this helps.

[Dave-99-Z-71]

Thanks for all your comments and help! I will use a large breaker bar and give it a lot more muscle. I just wanted to be sure because I have bad luck breaking things!

Dave

[ghost_ryder35]

Originally Posted by Dave-99-Z-71

Thanks for all your comments and help! I will use a large breaker bar and give it a lot more muscle. I just wanted to be sure because I have bad luck breaking things!

Dave

good luck, you wont break anything this time