Belt tensioner torx bit

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2018, 05:08

Yeah, I mucked up by bringing in serpentine belt adjuster info here

On my 1999, the timing belt tensioner is a 6mm hex key

Post by **precopster** » 24 Mar 2018, 18:32

The 14mm head referred to is for the pulley not the tensioner arm. When the 14mm for the pulley was replaced a smaller torx T30 or 6mm hex was used but this is awkward to use.

The tensioner arm has always been T60. Also if you use the T60 you have room for the belt to be passed to the pulley from the front; hard to explain and you'll find out why.

Cookie-the-Swede · Post by **Cookie-the-Swede** » 25 Mar 2018, 09:28

I didn't have a T60 available so I used a T55. It worked fine.

Post by **ljsommar** » 25 Mar 2018, 20:26

On my 2002 v70 the serpentine belt tensioner was definitely a hex bolt, a 14 mm. I had a hard time fitting in a ratchet with socket so I ordered a specialist tool from IPD. It is essentially a thin steel bar with a 12 point 14mm size bolt hole in it. I expected that I would be using it again when I did my second timing belt(this time including the serpentine tensioner) but no, now a T60 is used, which I had to borrow.

Post by **cn90** » 25 Mar 2018, 22:05

- If people look at the link at posted above....

* T60 is one option. You can find T60 in Home Depot, Lowes, Menards hardware store for $5.

* Other option is to pop the pulley's cover and you will see the 14-mm bolt:
a. Use 2-wrench trick as in the DIY I posted.
b. Buy the "serpentine belt tool" at harbor Freight for $15, this is basically a thin steel bar that allows access in tight space.

Post by **abscate** » 26 Mar 2018, 05:50

I use a 14 mm crow foot on a 18 inch 3/8 breaker bar, my “first crack “socket tool

There isn’t enough space on a 99’ for even a standard ratchet and socket, it’s pretty tight in there

Post by **jonesg** » 26 Mar 2018, 10:07

abscate wrote: 26 Mar 2018, 05:50 I use a 14 mm crow foot on a 18 inch 3/8 breaker bar, my “first crack “socket tool

There isn’t enough space on a 99’ for even a standard ratchet and socket, it’s pretty tight in there

There isn't room for the T60 torx and ratchet either. I cut the tip off the torx bit, 1/8" !
It was either that or weld the bit to a bar.
One day I'll buy a proper tool. Til then...

Beat it to fit and paint it to match.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Mar 2018, 19:29

- No need to cut any socket.

- Any Saturday shade-tree mechanic should get this serpentine belt tool. It is cheap ($16 at Harbor Freight).
This makes belt changing very easy...

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Mar 2018, 12:44

Just use a 14 mm box wrench. Ratcheting ones are especially nice. No specialty tools required.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Mar 2018, 19:54

erikv11 wrote: 27 Mar 2018, 12:44 Just use a 14 mm box wrench. Ratcheting ones are especially nice. No specialty tools required.

And two feet of stout pipe as an extender