xm v6 12 valve hydrulic pump removal

[pj3107]

Hi everyone
It seems my hydraulic pump appears to have a bearing failure as front/pully end of pump is getting rather hot and making the belt smoke along with a squeeking noise ( best i can explain it)

Question is there a special allen key for loosening the tension bolt or do i have to pay a vast sum to some south american surgeon to rearrange the shape of my hands to be able to get the thing loose ?

Maybe i am not trying hard enough but if anyone out there has taken off/ replaced the pump any advice would be gratefully received

Thanks

[Dieselman]

You need to loosen the locknut before attempting to turn the tensioner bolt. Access is tight, but possible.

A slipping belt will cause heat and smoke from the belt. These belts need to be very tight due to the drive and pump pulleys being smaller and the pump being driven by the cam, so the drive pulley is only half engine speed.
Ideally upgrade to a heavy duty belt and ensure it is tight: a worn belt will be sitting further down in the flanges than normal, thus exacerbating the drive issue.