Air conditioner belt tention

[monk]

I need to change both of my belts on my 318ti and have figured out how to get the longer belt free but can not determine how to loosen the air conditioning belt. I have loosened the bolt that looks like it will just slide the tentioner down, along with the bracket bolt and the two allen wrench bolt but it still does not seem to slide. Can anyone help?

Thanks, David

[pnosker]

Insert a 10mm hex wrench and apply a lot of force clockwise (I think); the tensioner will move.

[monk]

I am not sure where to enter the 10 mm hex wrench. I did not see anything that size. I was able to move the longer belt by using a very large screwdriver and forcing it against the metal block on the tensioner.

If you can give me a little more direction, it would be great.

David

[cooljess76]

If it's anything like the main drive belt tensioner, There's a plastic cap on the pulley that pops off and then you could fit a socket on it. I know the tensioner next to the alternator pulley is spring loaded.

[momorugger]

I just did this. there is a slot for a 10 mm allen wrench on the center bearing for the AC belt. It's facing the radiator. You'll need to remove the air intake covering. you need to apply a health amount of force clockwise. It's too late for me to go get pics. If that didn't help, I'll post pics later.