Fred, I always like to learn new stuff (but then I forget it, Ha), but I just can't grasp how the tensioner elastic could be harmed by backing off the adjuster rod bolt first. (If this tensioner is similar to my '91).
The adjuster rod is tied to the inner shaft, as is the big center bolt.
So, when you back off the adjuster rod, nothing happens, as the large center bolt holds the inner shaft in torsion against the rubber doughnut.
Then, as you loosen the 19mm center bolt, the center shaft just relaxes the torsion on the rubber doughnut, and all is good.
Now, in re-installation, if you tightened the center bolt, and then tried to tighten the adjuster rod, you would strip the threads, as the adjuster could not turn the center shaft. Is this logical?

tks,
DG