I'm trying to remove the serpentine belt on a 2004 dodge caravan for the first time (Newbie). Its my understanding that the tensioner can be pivoted to relieve the pressure on the serpentine belt for removal? I also understand that a 1/2 rachet wrench can be used to rotate the tensioner and I see what looks like a four sided hole for the wrench on the tensioner but I am unable to get the wrench on as the car frame is to close? Does this require a special tool or do I have my facts wrong?

 

This is the procedure I have for a my 2003.

01. Raise vehicle on hoist.
02. Remove the drive belt shield.
03. Position an open end wrench wrench on the belt tensioner lug .
04. Release belt tension by rotating the tensioner counterclockwise.
05. Remove the drive belt.
06. Carefully return tensioner to its relaxed position (Dont let it snap back).
07. Clean all foreign debris from belt pulley grooves.
08. Route and position the drive belt onto all pulleys.
09. Rotate belt tensioner counterclockwise until belt can be installed onto the crankshaft. 10. Slowly release belt tensioner.
11. Verify belt is properly routed and engaged on all pulleys.
12. Install drive belt shield and lower vehicle.

Depending on the miles you have it might be a good idea to change the tensioner pulley since everything is apart and it's easy to get to.

Hope this helps.

 

I believe you can use an open end wrench, maybe 9/16 or 15mm.

 

Thanks for the reply. Is the "belt tensioner lug" the one that attaches the tensioner to the block or is there another that I am missing? The one that attached the tensioner breaks lose like a reguler bolt. Based on your reply, I am now wondering if there is another by the pulley itself I have been ignoring this whole time.

 

the bolt that attaches the pulley to the tensioner which is 15mm