When you install the new one make darn sure it's seated right before you tighten that bottom bolt. It's real easy for it to slip down, then, WHOOPS!, the ear is broken and you need a new housing. If you are due for a new belt...it's a bit easier to to the T-stat with the belt at least loose.

Mine was just a nightmare. First, just the head broke off the upper bolt. OK no prob, BUT! the shaft of it was seized to the housing. OK, no prob, BUT! when I tried to turn (the housing) on the stud, to wiggle it loose, the shaft turned in the head! Finally I pried/worked it free.

After getting it off I see the lower ear is gone and somehow it was holding with just the bolt head pinching it. OK so I get a replacement at the wreckers, (who tells me he sells a lot of them because people break the ears off).
Get her done, turn the key, .....KA-BLAM! Shut off right away and take a looley...the belt is shredded and wound in everything!

Turns out when I removed the lower bolt the broken ear had fallen into the "Maw" between the belt and crank-pulley. I'm in the sticks, luckily I had a friend who could bring me a belt from town. I think I finished on day three.

And I thought that little sucker was like a Bamby in the cross hairs!

The old one had failed open so I didn't bother to drop it in boiling water .
Since I was parked with the front up about 15* I only lost a few cups of coolant.

Have fun.....