Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Replacing alternator on an 89 oldsmobile 98, oldsmobile 98, bolt hole

Question
How is the serpentine belt removed?  Do you remove the bolt from the alternator bracket to get the tension off of it?  It appears that the alternator could be pivoted away from the engine, the plug removed & the other bracket bolt removed.  It also appears that for re-installation a pickbar would be needed to align the bolt hole for the first bolt removed.

Answer
Hi Pete,
Normally, there is a spring loaded tensioner with a serpentine belt, but yours is right near the age when serps first came out, and the alternator was used.
If that is the case, there should be a bolt through a slot, and into the alternator, where you can see that the pivot action would have the bolt move through the slot.
Otherwise, look for a tensioner, and with a wrench or brealover handle, pull against the spring pressure to release tension on the belt.

Van