I am putting an a/c compressor bypass pulley one and I cannot figure out how to release the tension from the serp belt.

Can someone help?

the tensioner is under the power steering pump/ Loosen the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley (the pulley below the power steering pump pulley), then adjust its position to loosen the belt using the bolt on the mounting, which runs through the back of that tensioner pulley.

thought it was the power steering pump that tightens it.

Not on my 2000 XJ - there is a seperate pulley below the pump just for tensioning. Reason I know is that I broke it (rusted adjustment bolt) last week trying to adjust the tension!!

My '99 has a pulley specifically dedicated to the tension. Its under the water pump. You need to use a wrench or ratchet on the front of it to loosen the center bolt, then on the top left of the bracket is another LONG bolt that goes all the way through the back of the center bolt bracket and to the other side of the mount. Just turn it (cant remember which way) and it will bring the pulley all the way up so you can slip the belt over it, then tighten'er up again. Make sure to tighten the center bolt. Also make sure you have the correct amount of tension on the belt. Its wants to be TIGHT!

thanks for the help. I had to remove the electric cooling fan to get a wrench on the idler pulley. I got the belt off and the bypass pulley on. Now I am having a problem getting the belt back on. Does the fun ever end?