Replacing serpentine belt

[Whitehorse]

Ok, my 95 has 49980 miles on it and I want to replace the serpentine belt. I see the manual says to move the tensioner. I get out my breaker bar and my socket and lo and behold, I can't get my breaker bar and socket in the space. There's some framework about 2 inches in front of the bolt on the tensioner. I try a smaller socket and ratchet but no way I can move this. I can't get enough leverage.

Knowing I will need to replace the water pump soon I look grimly at the situation. Do I have to pull the engine to replace the water pump? I'm about ready to sell this thing. GM had their head up their azzes when they created this monster. Sure it is a great car but why did they have to make it so difficult to repair?

I'm looking for advice on how to loosen the tensioner (recommended tools) and how to get to the water pump. ;help:W

 

[93Rubie]

Ok, my 95 has 49980 miles on it and I want to replace the serpentine belt. I see the manual says to move the tensioner. I get out my breaker bar and my socket and lo and behold, I can't get my breaker bar and socket in the space. There's some framework about 2 inches in front of the bolt on the tensioner. I try a smaller socket and ratchet but no way I can move this. I can't get enough leverage.

Knowing I will need to replace the water pump soon I look grimly at the situation. Do I have to pull the engine to replace the water pump? I'm about ready to sell this thing. GM had their head up their azzes when they created this monster. Sure it is a great car but why did they have to make it so difficult to repair?

I'm looking for advice on how to loosen the tensioner (recommended tools) and how to get to the water pump. ;help:W

A regular I think it is a 16mm wrench works for me. Specfically, a longer box end 16mm works just fine, or an actuall serp. belt tool. If you think working on your Vette is bad, you have not seen bad yet.

 

[BADDUCK]

You should be able to just use a plain 1/2" breaker bar with no socket. Maybe a short cheater on it will help. Some parts stores will rent or loan a special tool to move the tensioner. Man you give up easy!

 

[Curious George]

You should be able to just use a plain 1/2" breaker bar with no socket. Maybe a short cheater on it will help. Some parts stores will rent or loan a special tool to move the tensioner. Man you give up easy!

I use a 3/8" breaker bar and 16mm (short) socket. I have to carefully maneuver the socket onto the tensioner pulley bolt and then it slips on easily. The clearance between the pulley bolt and cross member is definitely tight.

CG

 

[Whitehorse]

Man you give up easy!

If I had given up, I wouldn't be here asking for help.

 

[John Robinson]

ECM Ground

I use a 3/8" breaker bar and 16mm (short) socket. I have to carefully maneuver the socket onto the tensioner pulley bolt and then it slips on easily. The clearance between the pulley bolt and cross member is definitely tight.

CG

I also use a 3/8 breaker bar with a socket and if I need more leverage I slip a piece of pipe over the breaker bar. As for the water pump removal it is not as bad as it looks. However do try to protect the opti from having water getting on it when you break the water pump loose.

 

[89blackvette]

I bought a breaker bar at a flea market for $2.00 that has a screw securing the square drive part to the handle. I remove the screw and the square drive part, insert the square drive part in the tensioner and use a adjustable wrench on it to release the tensioner. Works great and I have an extra breaker bar. Hope this helps.
Mike