How do you replace the belt tensioner on a 1996 Grand Am 3.1l?

Answer 1

You have to take the serpentine belt off the alternator leave it on the other pulleys. Now you remove the bolt holding the tensioner. Replace the tensioner and belt. Happy Wrenching. Additonal Information from experience with this hog of a car. Pontiac decided to make this a bit of a challenge. When you get your new tensioner at the parts store, pay the deposit for free borrowing of the special long-handled wrench and shallow sockets that will allow you actually to get a tool on the tensioner bolt. Standard tools will not fit in the cramped space. When done, either keep the tool for next time, or return it for 100% refund. Note: an aftermarket tensioner will have a new bolt with it. you must use the new bolt with the new tensioner. Grandma GM's original bolt won;t fir the aftermarket tensioners.

Here's a solution to the challenge: Jack the car and take off the wheel. Take off the the plastic shrouding and the 2 clips for the hose that's in the way. Put some blocks under the motor (NOT THE OIL PAN) so that there is about a 1/2 inch of gap between the blocks and the motor. Unbolt the mounts on the passenger side so the motor drops onto the blocks. The motor should drop enough so you can get a wrench on it. I bought the serpentine wrench but only ended up really using the shallow 15mm socket on my socket wrench... tons of room!

Now Happy Wrenching! :)