[ErikAtTheW]

Started the Jeep this morning and had no power steering. Looked under the hood and the serpentine belt was not moving.... Shut engine off and noticed that the belt tensioner has broken, the cast piece holding the spring has failed, so no tension on the belt.
Did a quick search and it's either a hex had bolt (which it isn't), or a Torx bit bolt (which it seems to be).
However, and it took a bit to get my phone in there for a picture, there is no place to insert the Torx bit. There appears to be the outline of Torx bit shape, but there is no way to insert a bit. I will try to post the picture in a minute.
There actually appears to be tool marks on the edge of the bolt almost like someone put a vice grip or pipe wrench on it. I am the original owner, I have never replaced the tensioner nor ever worked on it. Seems odd...
Anyway, any suggestions for removing it? Pipe wrench?

Thanks,

Erik

 

[Al_S]

I just checked my 2004. It is a T40. Yours appears to be packed with dirt. If unable to get a bit in there, you might be able to remove with a small pipe wrench, the bolt head is quite large. Worst case, remove the alternator bracket that it's attached to and you'll have better access to it. Good luck.

 

[JKP]

Either full of dirt or a bit is broken off in it.

 

[stangmata]

Either full of dirt or a bit is broken off in it.

A broken bit was my first thought. I hope we're wrong 'cause that'll suck to get out. Maybe weld a nut to it...

 

[Elwarpo]

May have a used one sitting at home... Do not need it since going 5.3L