How do you release the tension of the serpentine belt on a 1999 Olds Intrigue?

Answer 1

Before attempting this, make sure the positive terminal of the battery is well insulated, or you may wish to remove the negative battery terminal for added safety - you don't want the short the battery - severe injury will result. Also note that the tensioner has significant force in its spring and could cause injury. The answer to this question depends on what engine you have. First, make good notes of the belt routing - it's not always obvious. For the 3.5L engine, the belt tensioner is located on the back side of the engine next to the firewall under and slightly behind the power steering pump. You will need a socket wrench - either 1/2" drive or 3/8" drive. There are two square holes in the tensioner, one for 1/2" socket wrench, the other for 3/8" socket wrench. Insert the end of the wrench (no socket needed, just the rachet) into the tensioner. The rachet needs to be set to the "loosen" setting -- i.e. for turning bolts counterclockwise. Once you have inserted the wrench, pull up on the tensioner with the rachet to loosen the belt. Slip the belt off of the Power Steering pump while holding the wrench, then ease the wrench down and toward the firewall until the spring on the tensioner is fully relaxed -- DANGER: DO NOT LET GO OF THE WRENCH UNTIL THE SPRING IS FULLY RELEASED!-- Installation is pretty much the reverse of removal, though it can be difficult to get the belt over the power-steering pump pulley while holding the tensioner in it's highest, most stressful position. (You may need help). Also, make sure the belt is properly riding on the tensioner wheel itself - it often slips to the side while you are trying to put the belt on the power steering pump. As far as the rachet you use, a long one works best - I use a 2-3' long 1/2" drive torque wrench I bought at an auto store. The length is useful because the coolant hose in front of the engine makes it difficult to use a shorter rachet - plus the added length gives you more leverage against the tensioner spring. There's only about a fist of width between the engine and wheelwell. If you have the 3.8L engine, your procedure will be different.