i'm lost. i can't figure out how to get the Censored-ing tensioner loose to get my alternator off. its about 35 degrees out right now so i want to get this alternator out asap and get my new one installed. on my tensioner there is a spot for a large hex driver in the center of what looks like a huge spring that is encased. theres a "square hole" that looks like some kind of tool is used to relieve tension to change the belt. below this massive spring like contraption is the actual tensioner pulley. common sense tells me they are connected but i cannot get tension off the belt. i don't want to just unbolt the alternator with all that tension for fear of flying alternators or belts or other random object that would cause pain when striking the body at high rates of speed. thanks again everyone.

I use a ratchet in the square hole to pull tension off and pop the belt out. Don't let it "snap" back, let it down slowly.
Don

Yup, just as said above. Use a 3/8" drive (without any sockets, of course!). Once you do it, you'll be surprised how easy it actually is.

all i have to say is....duh.... that was easier than i could've imagined. on my other car (subaru outback....blech) the alternaot was the tensioner and i had to hold the alternator up and tighten bolts while standing on my head and saying the alphabet backwards. it was a pain. i just got the new alternator installed and everything is back to normal. now i can finish my exhaust system. :D