belt tensioner assembly replacement???

My 1997 Malibu needs a belt tensioner replacement. I've purchased one from my local Chevy dealership but the square hole used to insert a ratchet to rotate it and loosen the belt is in a different spot than the original. When installed, the new square hole is positioned to where you can't put the ratchet in it. It's to close to the wheel well. Has anyone else run into this problem? Is there a different tool that can be used that I haven't thought of? I'm to the point I'm almost willing to cut into the wheel well to give myself room. Any help is appreciated.

I have pictures to better explain the problem but can't seem to attach anything to this forum.

Assuming it is the right tensioner, yes there is a special belt tensioner tool that is a long flat bar with recessed sockets to get into tight places.

My question is how did you decide that you needed your belt tensioner replaced?

Is there a tell tale sign that it is a problem.

I recently replaced my alternator and belt for the second time since I bought the car in 1998.

Steve

The way I determine if a pulley is going bad is by listening through a piece of wood.

If you take a scrap piece of wood (or a wooden broom handle works good) and put it on a pulley, or alternator, with the engine running, being careful not to get it caught in any moving parts of course, and put your ear to the other end, you should be able to hear what the pulley is telling you. A high schrill is a dead giveaway and you'd better start thinking about replacing it. This trick works good at listening to other parts of the engine as well.

The belt is checked visually for any cracks or wear, engine off of course.

My main and primary problem to begin with was the idler pulley. It was making all kinds of noise. Luckily that is an easy fix. The belt tensioner assembly however is giving me a bit more to chew on. I checked with other auto parts stores and their's looks exactly like the one I got from the dealership. So there's got to be something I'm overlooking.

Surely they, Chevrolet, wouldn't make it to where you had to buy a special tool to do routine maintenance. Ha Ha Ha

When the belt tensioner goes out, you lose all power associated with belts (A/C, power steering, alternator, etc.). Mine failed on me and I was able to get back home off of the battery power. The belt tensioner is located on a bracket with the pulley attached. It is one unit.