How do you loosen the **??!! tensioner on Vortech '01-'04 GT?

[Xcessiv]

Hi guys,

I've just spent around 3 hours trying to loosen the tensioner on my '01 Vortech GT. Since the 3/8 hole is hidden, the only way is with a bar but I don't want to damage the bearings.

1) Are the tensioner bearings easy to damage with a bar?
2) If yes, is there a magical solution?

 

[gtvertsoon]

You mean you are trying to put the belt on? We just grabbed one of the ribs in the tensioner with channel lock pliers and yanked the hell out of it til we could slip the belt over the alternator pulley.

 

[Xcessiv]

You mean you are trying to put the belt on? We just grabbed one of the ribs in the tensioner with channel lock pliers and yanked the hell out of it til we could slip the belt over the alternator pulley.

I finally got it!

Now, hopefully I didn't damage the tensioner with the bar. I guess I'll know it as soon as I'll start the car.