How to Replace the Belt Tensioner in a 1995 Firebird
- 1). Locate the belt tensioner on the front of the engine above the crankshaft. The tensioner has a pulley attached to the bottom of the tensioner arm. Place a socket and the breaker bar on the bolt located in the center of the pulley. Turn the breaker bar counterclockwise by hand to relieve the tension from the belt. Slide the belt out from under the tensioner pulley, and release the breaker bar.
- 2). Hang the belt to a component on top of the engine with the bungee strap to prevent the belt from disengaging from the other pulleys.
- 3). Locate the belt tensioner bracket behind the belt tensioner. The tensioner and the tensioner bracket are one complete piece. Loosen and remove the mounting bolts that secure the tensioner bracket to the front of the engine block with the ratchet and a socket.
- 4). Pull the tensioner bracket straight off the front of the engine block. Position the new tensioner bracket over the same location on the engine block. Install and tighten the mounting bolts with the ratchet and socket.
- 5). Remove the bungee strap from the belt. Turn the tensioner pulley counterclockwise with the breaker bar. Slide the belt under the new tensioner pulley, and release the breaker bar. As the new tensioner pulley is retracting, it tightens the belt appropriately.
- 6). Start the engine of the 1995 Pontiac Firebird. Inspect the new tensioner while the motor is running. Ensure the tensioner is moving up and down with the movement of the belt and the tensioner pulley is turning freely. Turn the engine off.
