Replacing belt tensioner on 3.3L engines

Mar 27, 2007 3 Replies

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kmatheson 19 years ago

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

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SRN 19 years ago

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.

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kmath50 19 years ago

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

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Joe 19 years ago

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.

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