Noisy belt tensioner -- replace?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
From: Edmonds WA
Noisy belt tensioner -- replace?
I *think* the belt tensioner on my 87 is "rattling" (that is, making noise). I noticed it moves quite a bit at idle, especially with the A/C on (although I think this is kind of normal).
As usual, it's hard to tell exactly where a noise is coming from (it might be from the A/C or something else, even), but I'm wondering: has anyone ever had a belt tensioner go bad or start making noise? I think the tensioner is just basically a big spring, so it seems like if it broke you would know it. But, then again...
All of you have lots of experience... maybe some with this?
Thanks!
As usual, it's hard to tell exactly where a noise is coming from (it might be from the A/C or something else, even), but I'm wondering: has anyone ever had a belt tensioner go bad or start making noise? I think the tensioner is just basically a big spring, so it seems like if it broke you would know it. But, then again...
All of you have lots of experience... maybe some with this?
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
From: Edmonds WA
I took the belt off and spun the pulley... it didn't seem to be obviously bad. I guess I should probably get a stethiscope to see if I can find the real source of the noise, even though the Napa store told me the pulley was only about $30 (not sure if it's the whole assy, or not). I just didn't have time to get down and get the part and swap it out this weekend.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,306
Likes: 242
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
At one time I thought my ac clutch was going. The belt looked suspect (dried out with small cracks) so I replaced it.
Gone was the noise
The belt is worth a good look.
Gone was the noise
The belt is worth a good look.
Last edited by AGENT 86; Aug 3, 2004 at 09:18 AM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
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From: Ohio
Originally Posted by Kens86
Just went down this road. Replaced the pulley first. Helped a little but the full fix was replacing the entire idler pulley assembly.
I thought of that also a couple of years ago. Bought the whole assembly. Man was I surprised to find that the clock spring had lost much of it's temper. The new one required a pretty good pull on the tensioner to get the belt on! BTW, replace the serp belt while you're at it. Even if they look good, they are in a really hostile environment, and do dry out.
