How do I loosen the belt tensioner on a 2000 civic lx

Serpentine Belt and Pulley Replacement

The generic information below is for all vehicles with serpentine belts.

1. Routing diagram. Before removing the serpentine belt, ensure you have a routing diagram. It's often located on the fan shroud. Sketch your own, if necessary.

2. Belt removal. Using a suitable serpentine belt tool, attach tool to spring tensioner and rotate in the appropriate direction to relieve belt tension. In order to get the necessary leverage, the tool may need to be at least 15 inches long; e.g. a flexible "T" wrench or breaker bar. Many auto parts stores loan specialized serpentine belt tools for free. With one hand, relieve belt tension; with the other hand, remove belt from auxiliary components. Afterwards, carefully release tensioner.

3. Tensioner and pulley removal. Unfasten bolt securing tensioner to engine block. This often requires a 3/8" drive Torx socket (e.g., T47 or T50). Next, unfasten bolt securing pulley to tensioner. Install new tensioner pulley/bearing (tighten 15 to 22 ft.-lbs.) and button up.

4. Belt replacement. Route new belt over various pulleys, again rotating tensioner to allow belt to be installed, then release belt tensioner. Ensure belt fits properly into pulley grooves. It must be completely engaged. On some vehicles, where space is particularly tight, use a 1/4" x 30" dowel to route belt over pulleys.

Serpentine drive belts are durable, long-lived components. Small cracks in the underside of a v-ribbed belt are acceptable. Lengthwise cracks, or missing pieces that cause the belt to make noise, are cause for replacement. Normally, I recommend belt and pulley replacement every 80,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first.

The link below may also provide some insight and help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post637296