Changing Serpentine Belt 2006 Caravan.

To change the serpentine belt on a Dodge Caravan
year 2006 3.3L with A/C. Do you just release the tension
on the Tensioner pulley, and slip the belt off
the other pulleys, or do you have to physically remove
the tensioner pulley?

I am aware to pay attention to the tension on the
tension pulley and not let it unwind.

As I observe a picture of the pulley if it just slips
off it will have to slip off to the rear, towards the block.

Your help much appreciated.

Thank you in advance
Denny B

 

On my 2005 I have found that with a 1/4 drive breaker bar and
a squat 1/4 drive metric socket and a length of pipe I can just
fit the socket over the nut in the center of the tensioner, and
thus reach up from the bottom and put gentle pressure on the
tensioner to release the belt, I can thus change the belt in about
10 minutes without the need to rock the engine around in the
cradle to get clearance.

Of course, your supposed to change the tensioner out since
they do wear out.

Ted

 

I get at my 1999 3.8L minivan tensioner the same way. I believe the socket
is 15mm if memory serves correctly. I've changed the tensioner and idler
tool and that too is a fairly straight forward task.

Bob

 

Ted


"I can just fit the socket over the nut in the center of the tensioner",

This nut in the center of the tensioner as you explain,is it
specifically to relax the pressure on the tensioner?
How is the tensioner secured to the engine? Is there another Bolt to
secure it?

Thanks in advance
Denny B

 

Assuming the 2K5 is anything like my 1995 there is a single fully threaded
stud sticking out the back of the tensioner that sticks through a hole in
the power steering pump bracket and is held from the back by a nut. There
is also a raised dimple on the tensioner and a matching hole on the bracket
so that the tensioner is properly rotated when installed.

 

No. It is, I am sure, to hold the tensioner pully on to the
tensioner arm. Thus the reason for gentle pressure. You do
not want to disturb the torque on the bolt head or nut that
is there.

No doubt, some application of a crowbar would also move
the tensioner. But I have had little success getting things to
move around on engines by use of crowbars or pry bars.

Ted