How do you change the tensioner pulley on a 1997 supercharged Buick Riviera?

Answer 1

Buick Riviera 1995-1999

Changing Serpentine Belts and Idler Pulleys

Tools Needed: 15 and 18 MM open end and socket wrenches

40 and 50 female Star wrenches

50 male Star wrench

Jack to lift engine

Begin by supporting engine, use blocks do not lift on pan unsupported. Use the 15 and 18 mm wrenches to remove the motor mount bolts. Loosen the two 15 mm studs and slide motor mount up out of the way. Loosen the stud at the bottom left of the bracket (motor mount bracket) it is behind the pulley, loosen only. Loosen the nuts on the other two studs. With the 40 inner star socket remove the stud from the block. The lower right stud is a 18 mm nut loosen and with the 50 inner star socket remove this stud. Caution there is a spacer between the bracket and the block. Now if you have loosened the lower left stud you should be able to move the bracket to get to the idler pulleys. Remove and replace them with a 50 star wrench.

Place the drive serpentine belt on the inside of the crank pulley, thread it around the idlers correctly and under the bracket legs so that it is clear. Do the same with the turbo belt.

Check that the belt is centered on all the groves and not off a grove.

Replace the studs and spacers, tighten nuts, replace motor mount and tighten nuts. Remove the jack and blocks. Start engine your done