Replacing drive belt tensioner

[dphatch]

The drive belt tensioner on my '07 C4S is getting harder and harder to actuate when removing/replacing the serpentine belt. There is also a great deal of tension on the belt itself that feels excessive. Given the age of the part, I'd like to replace it, ( all belt pullies have already been replaced). Has anyone seen/developed a DIY video/write-up on the process and could point me in that direction ? Given it's  location it appears to fairly involved and would like some help identifying all that's involved from someone who has don't it. 

[Loren]

Should be the same as the 996 engine.

Look for pulley wobble or any pulley not spinning freely and true (with the belt removed).

[dphatch]

Am wanting to replace the spring loaded belt tensioner# 997 102 260 00,  not the pulley attached to.  All of the idler and accessary pullies (AC, alternator, Water pump) are functioning normally. My original Google search shows lots of how too'sI for replacing auxiliary pullies and belt  replacement but nothin covering the actual belt tensioner itself. 

[ziiz996]

Listen to Loren. he is the expert.  He was hinting that you might not need to replace the tensioner.

 

It is a pretty intense job.  You have to remove the air filter box, throttle body, loosen and remove the A/C compressor, The Power steering pump /fill reservoir and the Intake manifold cylindrical chambers that connect the 2 intake manifolds.  You can remove the left  intake manifold to give yourself more room,  A lot of cables, air and coolant hoses are also in the way.   Once you get to the tensioner and after you remove the pulley of the tensioner, you go around the back side to remove the arm  and unbolt the old tensioner.  To install the new one, is also a complex process that can end up messing up your mechanicals that are driven by the belt.  The power steering pump alone is a nightmare to remove and its reservoir connects to a plastic hose that if you broke it, you will end up paying a fortune to replace.   Pay a Porsche dealer not an Indy to do it.  trust me. 

 

Taking a step back, why do you want to replace the tensioner?  Use a Breaker bar to move the tensioner pulley easily.  it makes it 90% easier to rotate clockwise.  WITH THE BELT ON THE PULLEYS, If you can rotate the serpentine belt to 90 degrees from its normal position between the Alternator and the water pump then your tension is fine.  Use Porsche belts.  Spend your time AND MONEY on installing a 3rd radiator, it IS a better investment for your engine and your driving experience.