How do i release and re-adjust the belt tensioner to remove and replace the alternator

if its the same as the 2001 malibu you take the socket driver with no socket and stick it in the square hole in the tensioner and use that to pry it open (cause its spring loaded) then just slip the belt off

hope this helps

if its the same as the 2001 malibu you take the socket driver with no socket and stick it in the square hole in the tensioner and use that to pry it open (cause its spring loaded) then just slip the belt off

hope this helps
Have you ever changed the serpentine belt that goes to the alternator,and if so do you have to take off the front motor mount to replace belt,thanks cusoon727

If you want to replace the belt you do have to remove the upper passenger side mount. Take the weight off the mount with a jack and a block of wood under the oil pan then be sure you torque the mount down correctly when you're done. 49 ft/lbs for the nuts on the frame, 96 ft/lbs for the bolts to the engine.

Also, I had better luck using a serpentine belt tool from an auto parts store rather than a socket wrench. I couldn't get the wrench in there for anything and wouldn't have had much leverage even if I could.