P80 -1998 serpentine belt tensioner tool tricks DIY

guambrocha · Post by **guambrocha** » 11 Apr 2012, 14:21

Found a post from someone else on how to make a serpentine belt tool. For a 1.99$ get a pipe cap, grind it with a metal grinder ( duh

) and then drill a hole through the thread area and use a metal bar to give it some force, I used a big drill bit i had around my garage. It worked just fine. Thanks to the person who came up with this idea, just thought I would spread it and save you 30 dollars as someone else did to me.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 11 Apr 2012, 15:05

Sweet idea! Now all I need is a grinder

You could make some beer money if you made a bunch and sold 'em - and I'd be first in line!

Post by **tjts1** » 11 Apr 2012, 17:23

I use a 1/2" breaker bar with 2 dimes taped on the end. It doesn't take very much force.

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Apr 2012, 18:19

Excellent, time for another serp tensioner tool debate! Well you can be sure of one thing, there are at least 5 or 6 ways that are definitely better than all the others.

Post by **cn90** » 11 Apr 2012, 19:39

No need to drill the hole.

1. Grind opposite sides of the threads flat with either:
- Bench Grinder
- File (yes you can file by hand)
- Belt Sander (turn the belt sander upside down for ease of use).

2. Then use this tool with an adjustable wrench.
It works every time for me.
And the fit is perfect in that square hole.

Here is what it looks like. Hope this helps:

guambrocha · Post by **guambrocha** » 11 Apr 2012, 20:12

thank you for sharing the original idea. very much appreciate it

I guess i didnt have to make the hole hehe

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Apr 2012, 21:27

My preference over both filing and drilling a hole: screw a hex fitting on there, then you can use a regular box or open end wrench on it.

MilehighV70XC · Post by **MilehighV70XC** » 11 Apr 2012, 23:04

Am I missing something? Is there really a need for a special tool? Just changed mine last weekend. I used a double closed end wrench (12mm?) pulled it clockwise to release tension, and then used a bungee cord like strap through the end to hold it in place while a changed the belt.

db130 · Post by **db130** » 12 Apr 2012, 04:06

the tool is for pre-99 cars

TheBraveOne · Post by **TheBraveOne** » 27 Sep 2012, 01:20

guambrocha wrote:Found a post from someone else on how to make a serpentine belt tool. For a 1.99$ get a pipe cap, grind it with a metal grinder ( duh ) and then drill a hole through the thread area and use a metal bar to give it some force, I used a big drill bit i had around my garage. It worked just fine. Thanks to the person who came up with this idea, just thought I would spread it and save you 30 dollars as someone else did to me.

Hello there. I do apologize if my post here is quite late. The topic here caught my attention. Great idea right out there mate. Saving 30 dollars is a big value for me. I've been looking for more info about serpentine belt and fortunately I found this one. Any updates for this? I might try that idea next week. I hope I can do it.