Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement
How are drive belt tensioner issues diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a failed or failing tensioner requires removal and inspection. This hands-on inspection will allow the servicing technician to check the pulley by hand for signs of grinding, looseness, chirping, and rattling. Upon inspection of the belt tensioner, a well-trained technician will notice these flaws, and may recommend immediate replacement of the tensioner. If the engine is running and the technician notes that the tensioner is bouncing back and forth due to a failed spring, they will recommend replacement.
How is a drive belt tensioner replaced?
Removal of the drive belt by releasing the tensioner is the first step. On spring tensioners, removal may require the tensioner be pinned in place to prevent tension from returning as soon as it is released. The tensioner is then removed, and replacement is the reverse order. The tensioner retaining fasteners must be tightened to manufacturer's specifications to prevent damage to the mounting bracket or timing cover, and non-spring tensioners will be manually adjusted. Spring tensioners only need to be released, and they will adjust automatically as the engine is running.
