Hello,

I'm in the process of changing my drive belt on my '98 Cavalier and I can't seem to locate the belt tensioner bolt. So, if anyone could help me with a description or a link to the belt tensioer location that would be most appreciated. Thanks.

the bolt is located in the center of the belt tensioner. The book says to turn clockwise, but I found if you are looking at the engine from the passenger side you need to turn the bolt counter clockwise. The tensioner is spring loaded so you need elbow grease. turn as far as possible then remove the drive belt.

um.... no. Not counter clock wise. The tensioner is under the upper engine mount, the pully right under that. Great place for one Eh? When you are on the passenger side hovering over the Coolant resovoir... the engine mount should be right in front of that with the pully right below that. Get a wrench on it and pull it towards the front of the car. Clockwise....some people need to think first.

I have a 98 2.4L Cavi and I just ran into this 3 hours before I posted the message, Go ahead and turn it clockwise, see how far that gets you

The tensioner is the pully closest to the alternator. should be down and to the left
you need either a breaker bar (socket rench that doesnt rachet) or an N wrench depending on weather there is a bolt or square hole.
turn this CLOCKWISE as far as you can and HOLD IT until you (or someone else!) takes the belt off of the alternator. then GENTLY release the tensioner. take note of the layout of your belt. there should be a diagram somewhere under the hood that shows you.

vote #3 for CLOCKWISE
i have no way of knowing which engine your dealing with but this thread MIGHT help
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=309192