How do you replace the serpentine belt located on a 1993 Buick Skylark?

Answer 1

Not sure on that year or model but on my 96 Century there's a spring-loaded tensioner that has to be released--I mean seriously released--before you can get the belt off. Before you take it off, see if there's a diagram under the grease somewhere that shows you which side of it goes around what. If there's no diagram draw your own. The tensioner is supposed to need a special tool to release it. I just use a Stillson (pipe) wrench on it. Grab it at a secure spot and push back against the spring until you can pull the belt off. Let it go while you position the new belt around as many pulleys as you can (make sure it's all the way on grooved pulleys, not one groove off), then push back against the spring again and slip the belt over the remaining pulley (usually the alternator). ***Update*** I have a 1993 Buick Skylark with a 3.3L engine, and all accessories. The motor mount is actually going through the serpentine belt. You need to raise the vehicle, support it on jackstands, get a floor jack, place a block of wood on it and place it under the transmission pan (all the way across the pan to prevent denting). Raise the jack until you see the engine/transmission lift slightly (Do NOT lift the entire vehicle by the transmission pan!). Now you need to remove the motor mount bracket from the engine and unbolt it from the isolator mounted on the wheel well. Now that that's out of the way, take a 18mm wrench (not enough room for a socket) and place it on the bolt in the middle of the tensioner. Watch your fingers against the strut tower, and push the wrench toward the firewall to release the belt tension There really isn't much room, and the wrench will probably rub the strut tower. Pull the old belt off. Installation is the reverse order.