[4wdave]

My tensioner has an external Torx bolt with a raised "bump" in the center. I'm finding it impossible to use a Torx drive on a breaker bar to engage the bolt to loosen the belt. The recess in the middle of the Torx driver seems large enough to fit over the "bump" in the center of the bolt, but the Torx drive slips out of the bolt head when I try to turn it. (For some reason, I'm not able to upload a photo right now...)

This should not be that difficult; what am I missing?

 

[ou1954]

I just did mine this week and early on, before I did a slight trial with a short wrench, it did appear that the Torx socket wanted to slip off. I was able to use a short lever setup to get the belt off. When time came to do the final step in the new belt installation I used a breaker bar and the same drive socket and all went well. I had to remove and replace the old belt a few years back when I rebuilt my power steering pump but decided the belt could be re-used. I bought a new belt a few years ago and just kept it in the trunk When I took a good look at the belt in use, it was clear the new belt needed to be moved from the trunk to the engine, so that happened.

I don't think there is anything special about my Torx socket set, standard Harbor Freight stuff that you can't just not buy as you walk through the store. [I think I needed the set for something else, not sure.]

If you want a photo I will go out and take one. Let me know. Actually I think there are some good photos somewhere in this forum where the various styles of tensioners are discussed. We are lucky in having a simple one.

 

[4wdave]

I need to re-phrase my question: Is it possible to loosen the tension from the top -- without removing fan/shroud, etc?
Or must I do it from the bottom after removing the plastic shield from underneath?

 

[Photodude]

I need to re-phrase my question: Is it possible to loosen the tension from the top -- without removing fan/shroud, etc?
Or must I do it from the bottom after removing the plastic shield from underneath?

Yes, I had no problem releasing the tension with everything intact. E-10 torx and 3/8 ratchet will fit there without issues.

That said, I'll be replacing my belt, idler pulley and probably belt tensioner… I wouldn't fancy doing that with the fan intact. Even though it's probably possible.

 

[4wdave]

Yes, I had no problem releasing the tension with everything intact. E-10 torx and 3/8 ratchet will fit there without issues.

That said, I'll be replacing my belt, idler pulley and probably belt tensioner… I wouldn't fancy doing that with the fan intact. Even though it's probably possible.

Hmmm... Here's what my tensioner pulls looks like. The one I can't get the Torx to engage...

 

[4wdave]

pulley, not pulls

 

[4wdave]

Here's a view that matches your photo. What is going on here?

 

[260e crusier]

Hmmm... Here's what my tensioner pulls looks like. The one I can't get the Torx to engage...
View attachment 2639844

That's the new style/improved model. There's a 17 mm hex underneath the pulley. The pin is use to hold the pulley in the retracted position.

 

[Photodude]

Yup, that's newer style tensioner, I have that on M112. You need to engage that 17mm hex nut, under the belt, to release tension.

 

[4wdave]

And that’s why this forum is so great; thanks!!