hey all... got alot of slop in tensioner # 7 and it needs to be replaced... i can watch it bounce up and down while idling and i think its partially causing the shake in the motor... now getting one is not the problem... does anyone know how to replace it???

more importantly will i have to replace the whole bracket and take off the power steering pump, alternator, and all the other stuff around it or is it just a "special tool job" or am i overlooking something???

as you can see in the diagram there are no mounting bolts... the bolts shown are for the pulley to mount onto the tensioner... thats it... help

What does the FSM at your dealership say for a procedure on it?

service manager is funny and got rid of all service manuals more than 10yrs old

Ok..what'* the older tech say has to be done?

I just had mine done a few days ago. Yes, the power steering pump has to be dismounted, though the procedure does not call for it to be removed. You pull the mounting bolts and push the PS pump aside. The spring assy in the tensioner does not appear to be a serviceable unit; you can replace the pully wheel alone, or the whole bracket and tensioner assy as a unit, but apparently nothing in between.

I used the factory part ($175 - $230 at a dealer). If I had it to do over I would use the Goodyear aftermarket part, about half the price. You can find get it I think through Napa auto parts, either online or on special order through you local store.

You can also get the factory manual from a reprint service (I did), though right at this moment I am unable to recall the name of the place. It will come to me later.

Helm has them.

Ebay has them.

I have a 97 and have 95, 98, and 99'*.

Sheff is the only one that doesn't have them.

Links to 2 places to find manuals (these are for my 94 SE):

Used manual:

1994 Pontiac Bonneville Factory Service Manual, 2 Volume Set

New manual:

Helm Incorporated: Product: 1994 Bonneville Service Manual

K thanks guys... i definately need to look into getting a manual

as for having to replace the whole assembly.... i work for a gm dealership... the pic i showed is from our catalog... on the right side shot... # 1 is the bracket, # 3 is the tensioner by the SC, and # 7 is the tensioner i need.... All 3 different part numbers and servicable by themselves... so it HAS to come off... otherwise it would list it as NS and have a kit # with the bracket included

my situation is nobody seems to know how to do it lol
but i do thank you guys for the info