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Replacing belt tensioner on 3.3L engines

I am hoping to be able to change the belt tensioner the next time that it needs it on my 3.3 in a Grand Voyager.

When they break, do they usually break right at the bolt? If they do, is an *easy out* or some other tool to remove what remains of the bolt.

As those of you that have 3.3L engines in the vans know, there is not a lot of room to work. When I changed the belt this last time, I had to use a 3/8" *breaker bar* with a 15MM socket. Luckily, it was enough to give me the leverage that I needed, as my 1/2" breaker bar would not fit with between the tensioner bolt and the fenderwell.

-KM

Reply to
kmatheson
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Assuming that the tensioner has always been mounted the same regardless of year or model, (which involves a stud thru a bracket hole, with a nut on the back side), then what happens is the stud breaks and the tensioner falls off. At least, that's my experience with my older minivans.

Reply to
SRN

Thanks. That's what I wanted to know. I would guess that this nut that holds the tensioner in place is pretty hard to reach. Any suggestions there?

-KM

Reply to
kmath50

I bought an offset box-end 15mm wrench just for belt-changing. I highly recommend that. It's the only offset wrench I have, but I use it quite a bit. The other end is a 13mm, so it fits a lot of stuff.

Sorry I can't answer you about breaking it. Mine didn't break.

Reply to
Joe

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