Serpentine belt tensioner question

[Iceman]

Hi all,

I have a '87 300d, I know that's the first thing that everybody needs to know...................And I'm in need of some help.
When I got home tonight I could hear the power steering pump squeeling. Checking it out I noticed that the serpentine belt was extreamly loose. Couldn't figure it out until I noticed how loose the spring that is located next to what looks like a shock was.
That spring was broken in two, the only thing holding the pieces together was the rubber/plastic cover.
I had no problem removing the top piece of the spring, but I could not get the bottom hook off. Anyone have this piece brake on their car? Is this something that can be replaced without major disassembly? If I could remove the spring it looks like I could easily replace it.
Thanks in advance
Glen