How to Remove a Tension Pulley

by Joe White

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While the tension pulley is an integral part of a vehicle's engine, it serves its purpose indirectly. The tension pulley does not supply force, amplify force, or transfer force from the engine to the drive train or from the drive train to the axles. Rather, the pulley simply holds the operating belt in place for smooth and effective operation. If your tension pulley is damaged, or simply gives out under the accumulated wear of usage, you can remove it relatively easily.

Step 1

Insert your flat bar between the tension pulley and the tension bar, with the point of the flat bar pointing toward the tension belt.

Step 2

Raise the handle of the flat bar so that the flat bar comes into contact with both the tension bar and the tension pulley. The contact with the tension bar will be higher up, and the contact with the tension pulley will be near the tip of your flat bar.

Step 3

Forcibly lift the flat bar to rotate the tension pulley on its axis, bracing against the tension bar. This will create slack on the tension belt.

Step 4

Slip the belt off of the engine head and allow it to lie free. This eliminates excessive tautness and allows you a measure of freedom as you release the tension pulley.

Step 5

Loosen the nut that secures the tension pulley by turning it counterclockwise. Turn the nut until it is completely free and then carefully slide the tension pulley off of its axle.

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