GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Important: The drive belt tensioner is a hydraulic tensioner and will have a high initial torque to compress. Release slowly to ensure proper operation.


    Object Number: 1676786  Size: SH

    Notice: In order to avoid damage to the tensioner or the wrench, ensure that care is taken so the wrench does not slip off of the lug.

  1. Install a tight fitting 15 mm open end wrench (1) to the drive belt tensioner lug on the rear of the tensioner.

  2. Object Number: 1676788  Size: SH
  3. Very slowly push down and towards the back of the vehicle in order to slowly compress the drive belt tensioner.

  4. Object Number: 1600754  Size: SH
  5. Remove the drive belt from over the drive belt tensioner.
  6. Very slowly, allow the drive belt tensioner to return to the extended position.
  7. Remove the drive belt from around the supercharger and generator pulleys.
  8. Remove the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .
  9. Remove the drive belt from under the idler pulley and around the air conditioning (A/C) compressor and crankshaft balancer.
  10. From through the wheel house opening, remove the drive belt.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1600754  Size: SH
  1. From through the wheel house opening, install the drive belt.
  2. Route the drive belt around the A/C compressor and crankshaft balancer and under the idler pulley.
  3. Install the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .
  4. Route the drive belt around the supercharger and generator pulleys.
  5. Ensure that the drive belt is still properly seated in the pulley grooves.

  6. Object Number: 1676788  Size: SH
  7. Very slowly push down and towards the back of the vehicle in order to slowly compress the drive belt tensioner.
  8. Install the drive belt over the drive belt tensioner.
  9. Very slowly, allow the drive belt tensioner to return to the extended position until tension is applied to the drive belt.

  10. Object Number: 1676786  Size: SH
  11. Remove the 15 mm open end wrench (1) from the drive belt tensioner lug on the rear of the tensioner.