I'm getting an odd sound in the top end and trying to narrow it down. I'm hoping it is a bad bearing in the belt system but don't have anything that is thin enough to get the tensioner loosened. What do you recommend?

 

just making sure we are talking about 2007 or 2008 year model with manual tensioner?

 

Yup, I don't have anything that will fit on the alternator bolt to free up the manual tensioner. I think I'll need to a thinner 3/8 ratchet or pick up a pass thru ratchet set.

 

I used 12-point 12mm box offset wrench (Westward 12/14) only 1 turn is needed to unlock the tensioner

 

I didn't even think of an offset wrench, that is a great solution. Thank you.

 

"odd sound" is probably your idler pulley, the bearing is common failure point.

 

Get a screwdriver or long extension. Put it near where you think the sound is and put the other end of the extension on the bone in front of your ear. Diddo on the idler pulley. I got rid of all my AC stuff because I didn't trust the aftermarket pulley designs.