No space to remove tensioner. Help

[Bowser]

I'm changing my aux belt, and have removed the tensioner easily enough, but how the fu*k do you remove it from the engine bay??
None of the guides i've read seem to mention this small detail.
I tried raising the engine, but that doesn't help.
So i thought id remove the alternator and whip it out there - but i cannot for the life of me remove the fecking alternator.
Pulley hits the chassis on the left, and aircon pipes on the right and the bottom.

How did you guys remove the tensioner? (from what i read, the hard part was undoing the bolts, but that took 2 mins)

 

[Bowser]

Also, do you tighten the bolt at the bottom of the spring once all together?

 

[STEVE.M]

I'm changing my aux belt, and have removed the tensioner easily enough, but how the fu*k do you remove it from the engine bay??
None of the guides i've read seem to mention this small detail.
I tried raising the engine, but that doesn't help.
So i thought id remove the alternator and whip it out there - but i cannot for the life of me remove the fecking alternator.
Pulley hits the chassis on the left, and aircon pipes on the right and the bottom.

How did you guys remove the tensioner? (from what i read, the hard part was undoing the bolts, but that took 2 mins)

Bumper off & remove front crossmember.

 

[Bowser]

Bumper is off, but the alternator isn't fouling on cross member. Its hitting the lower aircon pipe if i bring it forward, or the edge of the mounting bracket if i go up.

 

[STEVE.M]

Bumper is off, but the alternator isn't fouling on cross member. Its hitting the lower aircon pipe if i bring it forward, or the edge of the mounting bracket if i go up.

You will have to give the dowels a tap to loosen off the bottom pivot so you can lift the alternator out the way,& FFS disconnect the battery.

 

[Bowser]

Bottom bolt is out, as is the top.

Im hoping it was the lack of daylight that was to blame..

 

[Bowser]

Should the bolt at the bottom of the tensioner spring be tightened once all positioned?
It looks like it should be left loose to allow it to pivot when needed. (Not talking about the hex head)

 

[Gus]

honestly , keep rotating and trying different positions the alternator an it will come out its like a bloody puzzle

 

[Bowser]

 

[Bowser]

I don't care if its a stupid question - but should the bolt circled red be tightened when all refitted?
Its loose when delivered, but dont know if that is for fitting (to split the part) or to allow it to pivot.

 

[STEVE.M]

Keep rotating and trying different positions./QUOTE]
Not tonight, I`ve got a head ache.

 

[hipwell]

I tightened mine, nothing crazy just nipped it up with a spanner, that was almost 2 years ago..

 

[Mike@Rentech]

Easy to do you do not need to remove bumper and so on. Just remove the big metal block under/next to engine mounting. Adjust engine height until tensioner comes out. Can be a bit fiddly but they come out and go back in fine.

 

[Bowser]

But the power steering pulley is blocking it - i didn't dare lift the engine much higher.

What about the picture above, do you tighten that bolt Mike?

 

[Mike@Rentech]

If you tighten the bolt before installing tensioner you won' be able to fit it in place.
Once tensioner is fitted and belt on tighten bolt.
As to pictures not got one booked in until Wednesday. If I remember I will get some photo's.

 

[Bowser]

Cheers, I manged to remove it via moving the alternator.
I also changed the lower pulley without jacking the engine.
By the look of the old belt, i got there just in time.