Serpentine Belt

[cfwperks]

My belt is down to its last thread! I've replaced the belt on my old Explorer a few times, easy job, but does the ION have a self tensioner and if so any tricks on getting it on! It looks like a tight spot! Thanks!

[bc3tech]

Yes it has a tensioner, you take off the wheel well shroud (and wheel of course) on the passenger side, then use a 3/8" breaker bar (easiest way) to pull on the tensioner and release the belt. easy as pie.

[Maritime Storm]

Trying to change it from the top can be done with considerable use of profanity(this actually my prefered method). However if you not a regular user of profanity, it is easier from the bottom.

[SL2-Guy]

Originally Posted by Maritime Storm

Trying to change it from the top can be done with considerable use of profanity(this actually my prefered method). However if you not a regular user of profanity, it is easier from the bottom.

So true man.. I think i used every word in the book to get that belt off from the top... And now i find out you can get it from the bottom
Took it off since Saturn told me it was worn out pretty bad... When i took it off and checked it; it was still brand new

[Maritime Storm]

Mine has 84K kms, and she been through 2 belts already. Changed it both times from the top, getting the belt off is easy, putting it on isn't bad providing the new belt isn't twisted in any way. The last one had a twist in it, took me about an hour & a half to change, with the right application of profanity it went into place. My saturn tech at work tells me they usually do them from below.

[buckeyegirl]

Like BC3Tech said, (but I can not emphasize enough for you first time Ion belt changers) " you take off the wheel well shroud (and wheel of course) on the passenger side, THEN USE A 3/8" breaker bar (easiest way) to pull on the tensioner and release the belt. "

The standard 24" belt remover tool is too long, and the frame gets in the way when trying to turn the tensioner to release tension. You need a shorter version. The shorter tension remover tool in most kits are 1/2" however. It is the right length, but won't fit in the hole socket.

Once I bought the 3/8" breaker bar, was able to quickly reach up, move the tensioner with one hand and flip the belt around the AC. Rethread new belt. Move tensioner and flip belt. Done.

[2006 ion2]

call me a glutten for punishment, but my sister's grand prix with the 3100 had no room to do it, and I did it from the top. the ion has more room and less accessories/pulleys (by at least 2), so I'm going to try mine from the top, thank you very much.

[Samtherecordman]

It looks so easy to do, just looking at the pictures.... definitely would need an extension if you do use a Belt Tensioner Unloader.

[ssicarman]

Nearly four year old thread brought back to life. Why?

[chilipepper1327]

Originally Posted by ssicarman

Nearly four year old thread brought back to life. Why?

We are all human and don't always clue in on the dates...

[Samtherecordman]

At least Old Threads don't grow mold on them after a while.... always handy to have reference to them at a later time. ;-)