1996 Saturn SL2 Bolts on Tensioner Pulley

CRASH0987

MEMBER
1996 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
176,000 MILES

I have a 1996 saturn sl2 the belt tensioner went bad I went to replace it I have tried everything possible heating it up using the special sprays even snapped off two adapters since the old wise ones that designed it made the compartment so small its almost impossible to fit any decent tool in there I had to put so much tork that I think its warped the head of the bolt and still it wont budge what else is there that I can do

1 Reply

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

The trick to replace them is to put a floor Jack with wood under the oil pan Jack it up againist the oil pan. Then remove the upper mount then u can Jack the engine up to get to the upper bolt then let it down and get the bottom bolt thru the side engine shield thru the wheel well area pretty easy to do that way can do one in like 10 mins. If the bolt heads are round u will have to try some bolt extractors that grab the rounded head they sell them at sears. If that don't work then u will have to get a chisel and carefully try to turn it by using the chisel to grab the bolt head an turn it. Let me know how it goes.