Hi, new to the forum and in need of some serious assistance. I have replaced my wife's AC compressor as it had a catastrophic failure, i.e. it burned up real good! So after replacing the compressor, I am trying to put the serpentine belt on. I am using a 14MM box wrench so that I don't strip the bolt. The problem is that there isn't much room to negotiate under there and I can't break the tension pulley down enough to get the belt on. Is there a special tool or technique to use to be able to get the belt on? It feels like the tensioner is at it's limit when I break it down, it just doesn't want to go any farther and I don't want to break it. I am at my wits end with this thing. Any help you can provide I would appreciate. Oh, I forgot, it's a 2009 Grand Touring model withe the 8th vin number being a 3.

 

I am not sure if you approach this the correct way. You should not need ot brake down the tensioner pulley.

The breaker bar gives you leverage against the tensioner spring So you get enough room to slip the belt over the last pulley.

 

Does the diagram show the inside of the tensioner wheel? I have been using a 14MM to connect to the bolt on the outside (Facing the wheel) of the tensioner wheel.

 

This is the diagram I have benn using, note the bolt on the pulley and the clock wise direction of how you should apply pressure on the pulley.

 

See if you can find a square hole on the pulley bracket. Use a flashlight and mirror. If not then use the 14mm wrench on the bolt and turn clock wise as indicated. You may need an extension to get some leverage. Your diagram would indicate that the tensioner moves "up" or "up and forward".

This video gives you an impression on the force that is applied tot he tensioner:

 

No square bolt, I have the bolt on the pulley itself. I used a 14MM wrench and was able to use a cheater bar to get the belt on. Just an FYI, the Gates belt that I purchased at O'reilly's was 1" too short. I went to Autozone and purchased a Delco belt. It went on without any issues. Thanks for the help!

 

Hah! Belt to short! That's exactly what EricTheCarGuy mentioned in the video!

I'm glad I could help you getting on the road again.