tensioner

[mustangp89]

I cannot figure out if the long bolt and nut must be removed to replace the tensioner on My 89 4 cyl mustang. Can't find the correct socket size, This bolt does have to come out, dosn't it? Please help!

 

[glowstang93]

On my 93, the tensioner is mounted to the front of the engine using a bolt from the back. You may have to loosen the alternator bolts and slide it out of the way to get to it. Loosen the bolt and the whole tensioner assembly will come off. The pulley can be changed by itself if that is all you are needing to replace..

 

[mustangp89]

I can't find a proper sized socket to fit the nut at the rear of the bolt! Closest I got was 17 mil. Just seems a wee bit to loose and am afraid of rounding the nut out!
Probably has not been loosened since 89. :

 

[Red_LX]

I've always used a standard socket to take off the tensioner nut but I can't remember the size.

I'm thinking 3/4-13/16, somewhere around that.

BTW, take off the distributor cap and rotor while you get at the nut, makes it a LOT easier.