Atomic Rooster

When I try to release my belt tensioner by rotating the center hex bolt clockwise, it just spins. What am I doing wrong?

It does not seem to get tighter, either.
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https://youtu.be/b1Zf1y6EcYo?si=ALHxmWRtaKKnQZwB

​​​​​The belt is a bit dry, but not cracked. I don't see any wobble or hear any noise from any of the pulleys. The belt chirps a bit when shifting hard (rapid rpm change) and rarely when starting. I'd like to inspect things closer but the belt tensioner isn't cooperating.

I'm doing this with everything cold, according to "13 78 19 Removing and installing drive belt - as of MY 2005"

yelcab

Ah, welcome to hell.

1. Cut the belt off
2. Remove the tensioning pulley-arm-abomination:
2.1 Remove alternator
2.2 remove oil fill tube
2.3 remove a small M6 allen bolt at the center of the spring unit. You get to this from the back of the unit, doing it blind.
2.4 PRY the 90 degree tensioner ARM toward the rear of the car, it will come off.
2.5 WELD the 15mm-head bolt to the 90 degree arm
2.6 Reinstall it
3. Now, install the new belt and a new tensione pulley and you can tension it all your want. Do Torque the bolt on the pulley to the correct spec.

Atomic Rooster

Thanks yelcab. Looks like I'll be taking it to a shop for that nonsense.

Atomic Rooster

Would using special tool "holding wrench 9732" avoid the issue of removing everything?

It's too expensive for the home mechanic, but maybe I can make something.

yelcab

I don't know what that tool is ... Take it to a shop if you don't want to deal with it.