How to Remove a Serpentine Belt and Tensioner, VW Series

Remove the engine cover

Move the cooling line completely out of the way. To do this, release the plastic retention tab and lift the line up and over. This will give a better view of the tensioner

To remove the serpentine belt, release tension off of the tensioner. Then grab the serpentine belt between the a/c compressor and alternator just pull it off. You do not need to take it far off

Caution! There will still be spring tension be the tensioner so do not just take the tool off. Easy it back into position or the tool may go flying

Remove three 13mm bolts holding the tensioner on

Remove the two top bolts first from front to back then remove the bottom bolt. This will give you more room to work

As you loosen the last bolt, hold the tensioner in place to prevent it from falling. This might damage the tensioner

Now, you cannot just pull the tensioner right off to the side. You will need to lower the tensioner slightly in order for it to clear the bracket, then you will be able to pull it right out