I need to replace my alternator, but how do I get the belt off

If you don't know, the tensioner puts strain (tension) on the belt and is easily moved to loosen the belt. Look for a small (about 3-4" dia) roller in the belt path with a square key hole in the middle. Use a ratchet head of the same drive size as the hole (probably 1/2") and rotate the tensioner away from the belt. Pull the belt loose and allow the tensioner to relax. Now remove and re-install your alternator. To re-install the belt, reverse this process to get the belt back over the tensioner as the last pulley in the belt route. Remember to have a sketch of the original belt routing or make sure the decal under the hood shows the correct routing before removing the old belt.

need help here. this is te last bolt i have before freeing my alternator. i don't see any way i can take the bolt off with this setting. did i miss any step? (attached is the photo) grand am 98 v6

dont believe that bolt needs to come all the way off, it's not a solid piece of metal around it on thhe alternator, there is a gap that allows it to slide off.

The bolt is backwards. I got the same car and just did my alternator and the bolt went the other way