I am wondering how to replace the drive belt tensioner assembly on my 1997 caravan. Motor is 3.8L. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

 

I'm doing the exact same repair on my 97 3.0 today. Soon as I find my book, I'll let you know.

 

Well, I can't find it in the Chilton's. On my van, I had to pull the alternator to get to the bolt holding the tensioner on. It has turned into a nightmare, which I will detail on my own thread, so as to leave yours free for replies.

 

I replaced mine not too long ago and it isn't a bad job. It is held on with a single stud that is accessible from behind if you lay under the van and feel around for the nut.. You can also pull the alternator and do it from above. I'd say it's a toss-up either way.

 

I could NOT get to mine from below, had to do it from the top.

 

Ahhh--I see we are talking 2 different engines here. The 3.3 and 3.8 is a completely different animal than the 3.0. That probably explains why you couldn't get it from below on the 3.0