relieving pressure on drive belt

[Outrun]

Hey guys, I'm currently changing my alternator and was wondering how I go about taking pressure off the accessory drive belt?

 

[lseguy]

Just above the alternator..one of those pulleys is a tensioner pulley. When you place a socket on the bolt and apply a LOT of pressure, the pulley swings up..or is it down? Regardless..it's a tensioner pulley that you move to relieve the pressure.

 

[Quik LS]

what year and engine?

if it's a 00-02 V8 - http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showpost.php?p=158356&postcount=2 It's #6 on the diagram - above and toward the driver's side of the crank.

use a 3/8" breaker bar and leverage toward the passenger side

 

[Outrun]

thanks

Thanks guys, oh also please make a note people.... replacing the alternator in a 2000 LS is a BITCH! (short temper people shouldn't try!)

 

[NickLS]

When does one usually change out the belt? 50K? 100K?

 

[NateRW21]

when it starts to dry out... look at the ribs and look for cracks. I just replaced mine in my 03; 65k on it and it was factory. Really wasn't in that bad of shape either. Anyway, they aren't that expensive, I usually replace them every 40-60k, just depends on when I get around to it.

Just my own two cents, pick up a good year gatorback... perhaps the best belt on the market