I tried changing my belts yesterday and the idler pulley nut is stripped. Anything I try will not work. I've tried a serpintine(spell?) belt tool, closed in wrenches, and a monkey wrench (it won't fit because of the small space). The only thing I know of now is vice grips or take it to the shop. I have a torch to heat the nut up but don't know if it will come off since it is stripped. I would really like to do this myself and not have anyone else touch my car. Let me know if I haven't tried something.

 

that is a tricky space to get into.

since you are changing your belts I assume the serpentine is in bad shape and has to be changed anyway.

Cut the serpentine, and then remove the tensioner pulley by the 3 x 12mm bolts. then you'll have the whole thing off the car, and have much more room to manuver that bolt off. Try not to damage the threading and you can go to home depot and get another nut to fit onto it.

 

there are vice grips that will fit down there, my friend has some and i used them on my car when changing the belts. Just try to find the correct vice grips and you're set.

 

Soak it in liquid wrench. Grab a large flat head and wedge it between where the nut contacts the pulley. Then grab a hammer and give the flat head a few good whacks. Then try again with the vice grips. It will come off.