I am in the process of an alternator transplant in my 97 max, but the tensioner pulley is throwing me, the one on my car appears to be in excellent shape, with zero rust. From what I understand the actual pulley (the round thing the belt rides against) and it's center nut is what holds the tension, right? the brass adjuster nut tube thing, what is that for? when i loosen the pulley nut (not the adjuster) will the pully spring upwards? There is a sticker on the adjusting bolt that says "tighten after adjustment" I consider myself somewhat mechanically inclined, But what is that adjuster on top for??!!! thanks

 

The adjuster is what controls the up/down movement. The nut on the pulley is what keeps the pulley wheel tight against the adjuster bracket. Loosen the nut then turn the adjuster counterclockwise to relieve tension. If yours doesnt do that, its ****ed.

 

Awesome ,thanks., so when i put it back together, I would tightent the pulley nut FIRST in any position, then use the adjuster nut to re apply tension to the correct amount? why does the sticker on the bolt say "tighten after adjustment" I thought that was the adjustment..Im sure it is staring me right in the face but it's been a long HOT week

 

when you install it, tighten the nut on the pulley enough to keep it on there, then tighten the one on top, after that, finish tightening the nuton the pulley

 

Great thanks for the how to