Hello, first off let me say that you guys have a great forum here. I need install instructions for replacing a belt tensioner on a non-supercharged bonneville se, the one that has coolant running through it. Also, the car is missing the belt routing diagram so if anyone knows this and is willing to share I would be very appreciative.

Get a chilton'*, that will help you the most. They're about $15 bux at your local parts store. If you can't get one, lemme know I can maybe scan mine, I just changed the tensioner pulley on my SSEi last night. Also put your year, trim level, and any mods you have in your signiture area of your profile so we know what you have done to better help you with other problems.

It is a 98 bonneville 3.8 SE, if you could scan the page on tensioner R&R that would be great. It is a non-supercharger model with the series 2 engine.

Your belt routing should be shown on a sticker under the hood.

If not, it'* posted here a few times. Try the search feature.

For the tensioner, it sounds like the bypass hose goes through it? Totally different than my setup, but help will come.

You need Chilton'* #28200. Best bang for the buck, and should be under $20. Covers 92-99 Bonnevilles, all 4 engines.

I just replace the belt tensioner pulley on my '98 SE. When I went to get the assembly the parts guy (NAPA) let me know that he also stocked just the pulley. Big price difference and a lot less work, unless you have to do it for reasons other than just a bad pulley. In my case I spent $23.00 instead of $85.00. If you go this route the bolt that runs through the pulley is left hand thread, turn it clockwise to remove it. I bought my car new and it does not have the belt routing diagram under the hood either.

Maybe this will help a little if you have to replace the assembly.

Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise the vehicle.
3. Remove the front lower splash shield.
4. Drain the coolant.
5. Close the radiator drain ****.
6. Install the front splash shield.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Remove the accessory drive belt.
9. Remove the generator.
10. Remove the heater hoses.
11. Remove the drive belt tensioner bolts.
12. Remove the drive belt tensioner.

Reverse the order to install it.

For very simple, even simpler than Haynes/Chiltons, check out the repair guides at www.autozone.com

For example -
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d8017f8bc.jsp

Funny side note...GM writes the belt routing guide, but the documentation folks must not know that all the 3800 FWDs come with A/C. Documentation guys need to talk to the engineers!

Classic case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing.

It only took about thirty minutes to replace the tensioner but I couldnt get one of the heater hose fittings out, so now I am waiting on a 40 dollar replacement from the dealer.

My 97se has the belt routing diagram....if my tensioner ever sticks i think im going to spray some penetrating oil on the spring and work it back and forth to free it...sounds like a pita....