Cadillac Repair: WATER PUMP ON 96 DEVILLE, tensioner pulley, waterpump

Question
THE SMALL BELT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR BROKE I GOT A NEW ONE BUT HAVING TROUBLE REPLACING IT I READ YOUR ANSWER ON THE 95 SLS IS IT THE SAME FOR A 96 SEDAN DEVILLE 4.6 IF NOT COULD YOU EXPLAIN HOW TO ME.  THANKS ART

Answer
Hi Art,

     The small belt on the LH side/water pump belt are simular to change on the '93-'99 Northstar engines. The easiest way to change it would be to do it at the same time as a waterpump. Otherwise since your belt is gone then remove the tensioner and the belt can be installed and then the tensioner reinstalled and belt tensioned. Sometimes there is enough room if the tensioner is pulled all the way back to slip the belt between the waterpump pulley and the tensioner pulley so it might be worth a try doing that first.

     Not sure why your belt broke but make sure that the waterpump pulley and tensioner pulley turns freely and doesn't turn hard/bind up  in places. If it does then the waterpump needs to be replaced or the new belt will break in short order. Also make sure that both of the pulleys don't have a flat spot worn into them if eithor one is binding up.

    Hopefully that will help you change your belt. Bill