How do you change serpentine belt on 1999 caravan 3 liter?

Answer 1

locate the "tensioner" pulley, on the schematic that is under your hood, on top of the radiator. Then place a socket on the bolt head in the middle of that pulley, and with a breaker bar, pull the entire pulley towards the front of the van, releasing the tension, and letting the belt slip off easily. Repeat this procedure once you have the new belt routed around most of the pulleys properly and slip it over the tensioner pulley last. Double check belt alignment on all pulleys, make sure it is well tensioned, then start your van and let it idle about 5 to 10 seconds, shut it off, and recheck the belt alignment and tension. If all looks well, then close the hood and call it a job well done.

This is pretty much the right answer except that a standard size socket and breaker will not go on the tensioner pulley. The wheel hub is right directly across and there is not enough room. You need to use a wrench on the bolt and with a little imagination you can use something to help you gain leverage on the wrench making it easier to release the tension. I was able to use my jack handle and it fit over the head of the wrench and this gave me the help and leverage I needed. You will figure this out better when you are looking at it, you will see what has to be done. A word to the wise, if you can't figure out how to make something to give you leverage, you probably shouldn't be attempting this yourself in the first place.