OK, so now I really need some help from somebody who'* done the serpentine belt replacement before, on a '97 SE. It really looks to me like I have to remove the freakin' actual mount from the engine and transaxle assembly in order to get the routing correct. But that seems to be ridiculously difficult, as one bolt is behind the power steering pump pulley, which is pressed on?!?

Please tell me that I'm missing something really obvious and simple here. Or else let me in on the real secret to getting this done sometime today. I've never run into such a PIA belt replacement before. Some engineering team should be shot, even IF they are retired already.

you only have to pull the bottom motor mount nut, unscrew the mount bolt, and slide out the spacer. Put belt on and reassemble.

OK, while waiting for someone to pipe in, I did a quick search and found this:

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...lt+replacement

I hope this helps. I was about to throw something. I'll check in later.

Cheers!

Heres a pic of that sleeve that bill buttermore posted:

Thanks 95naSTA! I appreciate it.

Anyway, for those interested, Here'* some pics of the carnage and etc. (These are clickable thumbnails for those who care):

The mess I found under the hood (and yes I know it'* very dirty under there...)

The melted plastic pulley w/156,000 on it.

Pulley parts on bench, bearings were all gone...

Shiny new metal pulley

New pulley on car

New Gatorback belt and old belt remains

Access to stud through wheel well (didn't remove tire)

Torx stud w/nut removed

Someone had already been grinding on this spacer and not a very clean job either...

I've got ya beat




:Hijack mode off:

I'll give you that one, !

I know you already have the belt routing diagram, but if you still have the owner'* manual, it is in there. I wasted a few hours looking for a diagram awhile back...

Thanks, I appreciate your response, but don't have the OM.

At least now it'* posted here for someone else to find, right?