The belt tensioner regulates tension on the engine belt. Normal wear and tear can lead to the belt tensioner spring malfunctioning. When this occurs, it is time to replace the belt tensioner. You can perform this task at home, with basic car maintenance tools and a new belt tensioner, which can be purchased at a local auto parts store.
Open the hood of the car, and locate the belt tensioner. This is located on the front, passenger's side of the engine. Locate the belt bolt head. This is located in the middle of the belt tensioner pulley.
Use the ratchet to rotate the tensioner, loosening the belt. Once you have done this, pull the belt off of the tensioner pulley (make sure the belt remains attached to the other pulleys). After the belt has been removed from the tensioner pulley, allow it to hang on the other pulleys.
Locate the belt tensioner bracket, where the belt tensioner is held in place by two bolts. Use a ratchet to remove these bolts. Once you have removed the bolts, you will be able to pull off the belt tensioner from the front of the tensioner bracket.
Install the new belt tensioner on the front of the belt bracket, and use the ratchet to secure it, in place, with the two bolts, which were removed, previously.
Slide the belt back onto the tensioner pulley, and use a ratchet to tighten it. Make sure the belt is attached to all of the other pulleys, as well.
