I need to replace the alternator but have got stuck at releasing the tension on the belt. How is this done? I see the tensioner pulley below the alternator and I have heard that you need to get a socket on the middle of it and pull counterclock wise. Is this how you do it? I can't even try this beacuse there is only a 7/8" gap between the edge of the pully and the wall on the car. Not enough room for a socket. What are the tricks to replacing the alternator.
Thanks
Luke
i beleive that a 15 mm wrench fits that, and yes it can be a pain if you have never done one
I bought a set of offset metric wrenches for this very purpose except my engine is the Quad Four. There is scarcely enough room to get a wrench on the pulley. As you learned a socket is essentially out of the question.
You can release the tension by using an ordinary wrench but be very careful because if you slip and your fingers end up between the wrench and the fender well you will likely yell out some colorful metaphors.
Thanks, I just brought home my metric wrenches. I will try my luck but I might be forced to by the offset one.
Cheers,
Luke
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