How to remove belt/tensioner? xantia 2001

atr · Unread post by **atr** » 16 Aug 2011, 07:45

Hi
I must remove the alternator. how do I release the tensioner in the pic? by inserting a rectangular tool into the rectangular hole? is it spring loaded, so that no bolt has to be released? could you please let me know? I'll also replace the belt, any ideas/comments?
Thanks.

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Unread post by **citroenxm** » 16 Aug 2011, 07:54

Yes exactly... Im sure thats what you do, insert a Square key and pull it towards the front to the pully comes off the belt and slip it off...

Paul

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 16 Aug 2011, 08:50

You "pin" the tensioner with that hole next to the square recess. When correctly rotated, this hole lines up with a matching one in the tensioner backplate; it's easy then to slip a parallel punch or thick nail into there.

atr · Unread post by **atr** » 16 Aug 2011, 16:31

Thanks for the replies. well, I did that and the ....thing doesn't even consider to move. is there some safety/locking device/bolt/latch that prevents it from moving? I've made a tool with a handle of 30 cm, isn't that enough leverage?

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 16 Aug 2011, 16:41

That's the minimum leverage you'd need unless you've visiting the gym regularly

I take it you are moving it in the correct direction as you should be able to get some movement even if its not sufficient to move it far enough to get the locking pin engaged. A 3/8" socket set normally fits these square holes very well.

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 16 Aug 2011, 17:14

This is all I need for belt release.
3/8" for rotation (insert #2) and allen key for locking (insert #4).

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 16 Aug 2011, 17:48

Be careful you don't overdo the tension on the bar

If you do it is possible to snap the square.

I did once, witnessed by a fellow forum member

when trying to move a very tight tensioner with a rather large breaker bar. It lived up to it's name good and proper!!!

If the square does declare a fond Goodnight Vienna, all is not lost..

There is another way using a pinned bar that engages in the pinning hole and the hole in the middle of the jockey wheel; in fact it works better than the official method..

Here's a piccy of it in use

atr · Unread post by **atr** » 16 Aug 2011, 18:53

VertVega - thanx for the very detailed drawing, it's great. I'll try it tomorrow
(its already dark here).
CitroJim - your idea is great! if the easy way with the ratchet will fail, I'll adopt your idea and will make a tool as you described. I hope that I will be able to dismantle the alternator - I was told that there are M A N Y types so that I must take the original as a sample in order to acquire the right one.

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 16 Aug 2011, 20:31

atr, I always check new and old belts together stretching the loop before installation.

Another tip: Before removing the aux belt make an arrow mark on it.
If you happen to fit the same belt back again make sure that the direction
is same prior to removal

atr · Unread post by **atr** » 17 Aug 2011, 16:04

Finally, after making a "special tool" since the 3/8 ratchet ruined its teeth, I've managed to remove the belt. maybe you'll laugh at me, but it worked like a charm. now I'm facing the main problem - to remove the alternator. if you have more tips and advises, please, let them come.

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 17 Aug 2011, 18:09

Very interesting "special tool"

I think I'm lucky that mine is not so difficult to release.
While rotating it with right hand, I have the allen key ready in my left hand for locking.

Anyway your main purpose was to remove alternator.
As far as I remember, in mine the tensioner had to be removed completely.
I think it was because of the tensioner roller was just in front of one of the long bolts of the alternator.
Tensioner is fixed with 3 bolts and alternator is fixed with 2 long bolts.
The job has been done by my friend's dad and the car was lifted.