How to Replace a Belt Tensioner on a 1998 Chevy Cavalier
by Grace Mclain
The belt tensioner on the 1998 Chevy Cavalier is a spring loaded component with a pulley attached to one end. The belt tensioner keeps the proper amount of tension on the belt while the engine is running. The tensioner moves up and down with the movement of the belt as the belt travels around each accessory pulley. Replace the tensioner if the spring inside of the tensioner arm becomes weak or if it breaks.
Step 1
Open the hood on the 1998 Chevy Cavalier and locate the spring loaded belt tensioner. It's on the front passenger side of the engine or in the front center of the engine. Use the bolt head in the middle of the tensioner pulley to loosen the tension off of the belt.
Step 2
Rotate the tensioner pulley clockwise with the ratchet and socket. Then, pull the belt out from under the tensioner pulley. Hang the belt to the front of the engine with a bungee strap to keep it from falling out of the other accessory pulleys.
Step 3
Locate the bolt head that in the center of the spring loaded section of the tensioner. Loosen and remove the bolt with the ratchet and a socket by turning the bolt counter-clockwise. Pull the tensioner straight off of the front of the engine and place it to the side. If the tensioner is stuck, slide a flathead screwdriver behind the tensioner and pry outward until the tensioner comes off of the front of the engine.
Step 4
Position the new tensioner to the front of the engine. Screw the bolt back into the center of the spring loaded arm and tighten down tight with the ratchet and socket.
Step 5
Remove the bungee strap from the belt. Then, turn the new tensioner pulley clockwise to make room for the belt. Slide the belt under the new tensioner pulley and release the tensioner. As the new tensioner retracts it will tighten the belt to the proper tension.
Step 6
Inspect the belt to make sure it's still seated inside all of the pulleys. Then, crank the engine and let it run for 15 seconds. Watch the tensioner as the engine is running to ensure it's working properly. Turn the engine off and close the hood.
References
- " Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire Haynes Repair Manual for 1995 thru 2005 " John Haynes; 2006
- 2carpros.com: 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Belt Routing Diagram
Tips
- The new tensioner will come equipped with a new pulley so there's no need to remove the pulley from the old tensioner.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2-inch drive ratchet
- 1/2-inch drive socket kit
- Bungee strap
- Flathead screwdriver
- New belt tensioner
Warnings
- Make sure the belt is completely seated inside of all of the pulleys before cranking the engine. If not, the belt can come out of the pulleys. The belt could also break as it comes out of the pulleys.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
