auto tensioner removal

[George Feinman]

I need to remove the auto cam belt tensioner on a '87 944 and could use some help in how to do it. I checked Clarks Garage and couldn't find any directions. anybodies help would be wondderful
Thanks George

[SoCal Driver]

Have to loosen the two bolts for the arm. Don't remove them. Untension the belt by prying the arm back. Think there are one or two holes in the arm you can stick pins in and get a lever (very large screwdriver) across to pry the arm against the sping tension. Tighten the set bolt (not the piviot bolt) and remove the timing belt tension pulley and then the timing belt. Release the tension on the arm by loosening the set bolt (do not remove it). There should be three bolts, one top and two on the bottom to remove the whole assembly. May have to remove the smooth idler to get to the bottom two bolts.

Don't take the tension arm off as it's a PITA to get back on.

[rwsams]

George,
There are three 13mm nuts on the back mounting plate of the auto tensioner. The lower drawing at Clarks Garage page shows two of the three. The toughest part is seeing the nut on the lower left (looking at the engine from the front). It is partially hidden behind the tensioner roller. A good flashlight and a mirror should help.

Also, it's easier to get to it if the tensioner is locked in the full loose position. Loosen both nuts that hold the tensioner arm slightly, take tension off the cam belt (pin wrench is a good idea here) and retighten to hold the arm away from the belt.

Good luck. Oh, by the way, it's pretty challenging getting the nuts and washers back on and torgued properly too. (20newton/meters I think) Don't overtighten or you break the studs.

Good luck. It's not too bad if you're a decent wrench.

924SBob