How do you get the tensioner to move on 1988 caravan to replace serpentine belt having a diffucut time trying to get belt on?

1. How do you loosen the tensioner on a serpentine belt?
2. Should you be able to move a belt tensioner by hand?
3. Can you adjust the tension on a belt tensioner?
4. What tool do I need to loosen a belt tensioner?
5. Is the belt tensioner supposed to spin?
6. Are tensioner pulley reverse thread?
7. Should a tensioner pulley be loose?
8. Is idler pulley same as tensioner?
9. How do you tighten a tensioner bolt?

How do you loosen the tensioner on a serpentine belt?

Turn the bolt head in the center of the spring-loaded arm of the belt tensioner counterclockwise with a ratchet and socket to loosen the bolt. The tensioner will rotate freely before it comes to a stop. When the spring-loaded arm comes to a stop, continue to turn the bolt until the bolt loosens.

Should you be able to move a belt tensioner by hand?

Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.

Can you adjust the tension on a belt tensioner?

Locate the adjuster bolt on the belt tensioner used to secure the serpentine belt, and adjust the tension by loosening or tightening the adjuster bolt with a racthet and socket while you simultaneously move the belt back and forth gently to find the proper tension.

What tool do I need to loosen a belt tensioner?

Using a serpentine belt tool to loosen the tensioner and a belt placement tool to position the belt, we completed the entire job in less than 15 minutes, without breaking a sweat (or a knuckle). The serpentine belt tool comes with an assortment of sockets, making it the perfect choice for all the cars in your family.

Is the belt tensioner supposed to spin?

Checking the Tensioner

Spin the pulley to see if it spins freely. If you hear grinding or the pulley doesn't spin freely, replace the tensioner. When you replace the belt, it should take a lot of muscle power to move the tensioner. If you can move it easily, the spring tension is most likely not tight enough.

Are tensioner pulley reverse thread?

The PULLEY bolt on the tensioner is left hand thread (turn clockwise to loosen) but the bolt that retains the tensioner to the alternator bracket is standard right hand thread (turn counter-clockwise to loosen). If you are trying to remove the tensioner from the bracket it just takes a little muscle.

Should a tensioner pulley be loose?

If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.

Is idler pulley same as tensioner?

The primary distinction between tensioners and idler pulleys is the presence of an adjustable bolt. Tensioners are positioned on the bolt through mounting. Idler pulleys are not mounted to an adjustable bolt. ... However, if bearings fail, tensioner and idler pulleys both require replacement.

How do you tighten a tensioner bolt?

Turn the adjustment bolt on the side, top or bottom of the pulley counterclockwise with the ratchet and socket until the accessory belt is loose enough to remove. Tighten the tensioner pulley by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise with the ratchet and socket until the belt is tight.