Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: releasing serpentine belt tension to remove A/C compressor, tensioner pulley, autohelp


Question
I am replacing my A/C compressor. it works, but the bearing screams like a banshee. Today I loosened all the mounting bolts but I tried to follow directions on the sticker under the hood to release the tensioner pulley. It says to just turn the center nut on the tensioner to the right but it wouldn't budge. I did not try "too" hard. I have broken parts before. There seems to be a smaller bolt on the tensioner housing at the top and a bit to the right. Is that possibly a locking adjustment setting? I always thought that these pulleys supplied a given amount of tension and had no adjustment, right? The belt is really tight. Only 1/8 inch play. This is a 95 SATURN 1.9 DOHC. I can save the labor of the change over of the compressor itself, but I need to be able to release the serpentine belt. Can you give me the right procedure? Thanks in advance from another retiree. If you can answer tonight, I'll sleep better for my part time job. You understand about retirement pay, I'm sure.

Answer
The smaller bolt is most likely to be a lock bolt. The tensioner has an internal calibrated spring and will only travel a certain amount of distance. Loosen this bolt and see if the tensioner will move. Without actually seeing your vehicle I am relying on memory.

If your going to replace the compressor you will need to discharge the refrigerant (freon) first.

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