I replaced my water pump a week ago and ever since I have had a squealing coming from my belt. I noticed the belt tensioner wasn't spinning. I hadn't got it back in correctly. I have read many things now on how to get it back right, but still cannot get it to sit in there right. There is that notch on the back that fits into the hole so it will sit correctly. How do I get it there? I have tried rotating it clockwise, but could not get it there. Currently, it is upsidedown with enough tension, but not in the notch. Can anyone explain to me how to correct this?

 

Why did you remover the belt tensioner if just replacing the belt? Normally you would just put a wrench on the idler pulley bolt and rotate the tensioner (under spring pressure) ans slip off the belt.

Did you unscrew the blot from the tensioners big end? If so it's probably damaged. Or did you remove the nut from behind the tensioner bracket?

Assuming the tensioner is OK, loosen the nut on the back of the tensioner and with the belt off rotate the tensioner until the tab fits in the hole of the bracket. Then tighten the bolt.

Now reinstall the belt and with a 15mil wrench on the pulley end of the tensioner rotate the tensioner Clockwise (against spring pressure of the tensioner) and slip the belt over it.

If the tensioner won't move with the 15 mil wrench on it, it is seized and requires replacement.

 

I dont see how you can screw up a belt tensioner?? Theres one nut ans the rest just liike.. has guides into place ha..