What size socket do I need for the tensioner?

Inspect the belt tensioner pulley to see what size gap it has for a tool to fit in. If the gap is 1/2 wide and square, as is the case in many vehicles, a standard 1/2 inch ratchet will be sufficient.

What is the belt tensioner on a Chevy Cavalier?

The belt tensioner on the front of the 1999 Chevy Cavalier engine is a spring-loaded component that tensions the belt as it turns around all of the accessory pulleys. When the motor is running, the belt travels around the alternator pulley, crankshaft pulley, power-steering pump pulley, air-conditioner pulley and the water pump pulley.

Do you need to touch the pulley on a Chevy Cavalier?

Because of the tensioner design, turning the bolt clockwise will cause the pulley to move backwards and take the tension off of the belt. There is no need to touch the bolts that attach the tensioner assy. to the vehicle unless you need to replace the entire belt tensioner assy. as well.

How big is the bolt for the belt tensioner?

The stock belt tensioner uses a 13mm bolt to hold the pulley to the belt tensioner and a 15mm bolt to attach the belt tensioner to the vehicle. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist you. Your Auto Inspector, Assistant Service Manager Category: Chevy Satisfied Customers:874

What kind of wrench do I need for tensioner pulley?

There is a tool designed for this, but you can use a 15mm wrench as well. All you need to do is put a 15mm wrench on the tensioner pulley bolt and turn it clockwise. Because of the tensioner design, turning the bolt clockwise will cause the pulley to move backwards and take the tension off of the belt.

How do you turn the pulley on a Chevy Cavalier?

All you need to do is put a 15mm wrench on the tensioner pulley bolt and turn it clockwise. Because of the tensioner design, turning the bolt clockwise will cause the pulley to move backwards and take the tension off of the belt.

How do you retract a tensioner pulley on a car?

Slide the belt under the new tensioner pulley and release the tensioner. As the new tensioner retracts it will tighten the belt to the proper tension. Inspect the belt to make sure it’s still seated inside all of the pulleys. Then, crank the engine and let it run for 15 seconds.