Why is there tension on my steering wheel when i try an turn my 2002 zx2 for escort

most are spring loaded and require use of a prybar or long big flatblade screwdriver.. some use a socket wrenck with a breaker bar and once tension is off the belt can be removed rather easily unless its behind other belts like the ac belt or power steering which need removed first..

It may be like this:

"I just installed a belt on a 1998 ZX2 and used the tension release tool from underneath the car (safely jacked up and blocked) You should remove the right front wheel and plastic splash shield from wheel well (10mm socket). Use the tensioner release tool from underneath and rotate it towards the rear of the engine until you meet the lower heater hose. At this point, have another person use a tire iron / long screw driver, etc. to jam the tensioner pulley in place in order to get another "bite" on the tensioner pulley center bolt (use 13MM socket on the tool) You should have the entire belt pre-routed except for the AC pulley. This is the easiest one to install the belt on once tension has been released. Check for any looseness on the other idler pulleys as well as component pulleys."

Good luck! (rate if useful!!)

Locate the serpentine belt tensioner on the front of the engine. The belt tensioner on the 2001 Ford Escort is located directly under the power steering pump and above the air conditioner pump. The belt tensioner has a 17 mm bolt head in the center of the pulley.

1. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
2. Negative battery cable Accessory drive belt and tensioner Timing belt cover Right front wheel Right inner splash shield Crankshaft pulley
   
3. Align the timing marks.

1. Removing Timing Belt

1. Loosen the timing belt tensioner bolt (1).
2. Use an 8mm Allen wrench, and turn the tensioner (2) counterclockwise 1 / 4 turn.
3. Insert a 1 / 8 inch drill bit in the hole (3) to lock the belt tensioner in place.
4. Remove the timing belt (4).
   
   To Install :
   
   
5. Install the timing belt in a counterclockwise direction starting at the crankshaft.
   
6. Remove the drill bit to unlock the timing belt tensioner.
   
7. Rotate the crankshaft two complete turns and check that the timing marks align.
   
8. Tighten the tensioner bolt to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm).
   
9. Reinstall or connect the following:
   
   Crankshaft pulley. Tighten the bolt to 81-96 ft. lbs. (110-130 Nm). Right inner splash shield Right front wheel Timing belt cover Accessory drive belt and tensioner Negative battery cable
10. Start the engine and check for proper operation
    

Use a 13 mm wrench and turn the tensioner bolt like you are trying to tighten it. This will swing the arm away from the belt and release tension. The tensioner is just above and between the a/c compressor pulley and the crank pulley.

The tensioner is between the a/c compressor and crank pulley, below the power steering pump. Use a 13 mm wrench to 'tighten' the bolt in the center of the pulley and it'll move to release tension off the belt.

1) Start with the alternator.
2) Forward to the smooth idler
3) Forward to power steering
4) Down to A/C compressor
5) Back to crank pulley
6) Forward around tensioner
7) Back glancing off of water pump
8) Back glancing off of ribbed idler
9) Up around alternator (where you started)
Good luck!

You should be very careful trying to remove your steering wheel. There is probably an air bag inside it and it can inflate if you don't know what you are doing. IF there is an air bag , then I strongly advise you not to mess with it as it is very dangerous. And there is probably no aftermarket wheels for it anyway....

the tensioner pully is acsessed from the bottem of the car thru the passenger wheel well, you will need a 13 mm wrench, I will try to get the diagram but it should be under your hood, it will be on the plastic skirt in front of car

I'm glad you figured it out that it was the serpentine belt and if you have this problem again check out the belt tensioner