Before you begin ANY work on your vehicle:
* Disconnect the negative battery cable. This prevents accidental shorts and protects your electrical system.
* Consult a repair manual specific to your Blazer's year, make, model, and engine. This is crucial. A Haynes or Chilton manual will show you diagrams and provide step-by-step instructions for your particular vehicle. Online resources can be helpful supplements, but a manual is essential.
General Approach (variations exist):
The most common method involves using a tool to put pressure on the tensioner to release the belt:
1. Locate the belt tensioner. It's usually a pulley with a pivoting arm. Your repair manual will show you its location.
2. Identify the tensioner release mechanism. This is where the repair manual is essential. Some common methods include:
* A bolt: You might need a wrench or socket to rotate a bolt, which relieves tension on the belt.
* A lever: A lever or bar might need to be inserted into a specific hole or slot on the tensioner to push or pull it, relieving the tension.
* Other tools: Some more complex tensioners may require specialized tools.
3. Apply pressure to the tensioner. Using the appropriate tool (wrench, socket, lever, etc.), carefully apply pressure to the tensioner in the direction that releases the belt. This will usually require some force. Be extremely careful not to get your hand caught in the moving parts.
4. Remove the belt. Once the tension is released, you should be able to easily slip the belt off the pulleys.
5. Reverse the process to reinstall. To reinstall, route the belt correctly around all the pulleys (refer to your repair manual for correct routing), then apply tension to the tensioner, allowing the belt to seat on the pulleys.
Important Considerations:
* Safety First: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris or broken parts. Use gloves to protect your hands. Work in a well-ventilated area.
* Torque Specifications: If you remove any bolts, remember to tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench. Incorrect tightening can damage parts.
* Belt Condition: Inspect the belt's condition while it's off. If it's cracked, frayed, or excessively worn, replace it.
Without knowing your Blazer's engine, I cannot give you more specific instructions. A repair manual is absolutely necessary to complete this task safely and correctly. Trying to do this without proper guidance could lead to injury or damage to your vehicle.
