SANDSTONE

So my tensioner started to make a squealing sound about a week ago on my 93 SC300 so I decided to replace it. Here's how:

1. Remove the 2 plastic timing covers( pic1), start by removing the oil filler cap and then the (6) 5mm allen bolts be careful because the plastic in my case was brittle. Carefully remove the top cover, now remove the (3) 5mm allen bolts for the middle cover, I removed the center bolt last so the cover didn't move around as much. ( The middle bolt on the middle cover is deeper so I put my allen in and twisted loose with a pliers (pic2)) --Side note-- I used a 1/4 drive socket with an extension and a swivel to get the middle cover driver's side allen bolt.

2. Now that the covers are off, get a big breaker bar and a 14 mm socket and release the tension on the tensioner by pulling towards the drivers side or clockwise on the pully (pic3) and pull the belt off one of the pullies. I tried to leave the belt on as much as possible to ease re installation.

3. Now that the belt is loose there are (3) 12mm bolts holding on the tensioner to the block (pic4 &5), these are tricky to get at without removing the fan and all that stuff so I used a swivel (looks like a mini drive shaft flange) attachment to my socket wrench and worked fine, just watch your knuckles cause the socket can move when breaking them loose.

4. Ok now that the bolts are all loose remove them and wiggle the tensioner out past the belt and fan assembly. The tensioner I got was a Gates#38170, bolted right up with no problems. from here I would snug down the new tensioner bolts, place the serpentine belt back on and start the car before putting the plastic covers back on to make sure everything looks good. Then place the covers back on and your done!

SANDSTONE

Here's a picture of the attachments that I used for the sockets, didn't end up using the orange extension

jhunt39

I'm replacing my belt tensioner today, and this is very helpful! Thank you!