i'm replacing the serpentine belt and tensioner and i would REALLY appreciate a step-by-step. the haynes manual doesnt' get into detail. i have the new tensioner pulley and the belt ready to go. biggest problem is lack of room to work. can i replace w/o removing the front end? mechanic quoted me $480...saying the "book" said it requires 3 hours of labor. i bought the parts online for $110. i've unbolted the old tensioner (using a 10mm allen socket) but can't remove it again, due to lack of space b/t the engine and radiator. i could really use a hand....thanks.

 

take the front clip off like you would on a timming belt project

 

what pimpshell did, although if you do some finesing you can get it out, i dont know if you have it locked down or not but you if lock it down it comes out alot easier. just to let you know im basing this off the 12v but the 12v and 30v arent ridiculously different(yes i know DOHC and SOHC and wider, etc but overall same dimensions.)

 

This should help:

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng111.shtml

 

i'm not understanding the term "lock it down". the new tensioner pulley came with a pin which appears to be keeping the spring coiled tight. is that what you're referring to? so by taking the pin out it will become "unlocked"? i saw in another post that someone took the pulley apart to install and removed the power steering pump to alow access to work. any ideas. i'm going to check into that link. thanks alot. just a lil frustrated. i have the parts...i have the tools...car is up on lift...just looking to get in and out of there with as little "take apart" time as possible.

 

sineo:

excatly what i needed. thanks alot. starting on it about 2pm edt. will let you know how it goes.