Drivebelts tensioner rattle / solid drivetrain
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Miami Fl
Drivebelts tensioner rattle / solid drivetrain
Does anyone know if they make a non spring loaded tensioner for the a/c. After I solidified my drive train I get a rattle form the belt tensioners in my A4 98 vette. It happens momentarily while your in gear as you accelerate from 600rpm to about 700 rpms then it goes away. The car is super smooth aside from the annoying noise.
If you hold it a those rpms you can see both the ac tensioner and the main drive belt tensioner going crazy.
Keep in mind I have new tensioners and new Goodyear gatorback belts.
I know Katech makes a nonspring loaded main serpentine tensioner but the majority of the rattle is from the a/c tensioner.
I also checked all bearings / pullys for proper operation and everything seems fine. My guess is that since there is no rubber in the drivetrian and slight vibrations (which I can’t feel) are being exaggerated in the spring loaded tensioners.
I did read the TSB on the decoupler pulley and the updated tensioner that Gm put out…but that has nothing to do with the A/C tensioner.
Let me know what you think.
If you hold it a those rpms you can see both the ac tensioner and the main drive belt tensioner going crazy.
Keep in mind I have new tensioners and new Goodyear gatorback belts.
I know Katech makes a nonspring loaded main serpentine tensioner but the majority of the rattle is from the a/c tensioner.
I also checked all bearings / pullys for proper operation and everything seems fine. My guess is that since there is no rubber in the drivetrian and slight vibrations (which I can’t feel) are being exaggerated in the spring loaded tensioners.
I did read the TSB on the decoupler pulley and the updated tensioner that Gm put out…but that has nothing to do with the A/C tensioner.
Let me know what you think.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Hi Guys, ROBIN from across the pond in the U.K. I have a 2000 C5 auto coupe. 68k miles. Car has developed a slight "rattle noise" from somewhere at front of engine. I have read on this excellent forum most of the posts about belts, pullies, harmonic balancers, tensioners etc. Ok so far. Well here goes, Jobs done so far: 1) I would have bet money the rattle was coming from the top accessories belt tensioner so I replaced that to no effect. 2) Sprayed belts with silicone lubricant, little to no effect. 3) Checked the harmonic balancer for wobble and /play but seem tight and snug with no play at all.
4) Took off accessory belt and ran engine and found that by spraying lub on A/C compressor pully and lower tensioner stopped rattle for about 10 -15 miles, then slowly it came back. My question is: I feel it is proabably the A/C tensioner although I did detect a little play in the front plate on the A/C idler above it. What sort of job is it for a DIY "********" like me to replace the A/C tensioner and idler. I have ordered replacement belts in case. Any of avice from the Corvette family would be welcome. Cheers
4) Took off accessory belt and ran engine and found that by spraying lub on A/C compressor pully and lower tensioner stopped rattle for about 10 -15 miles, then slowly it came back. My question is: I feel it is proabably the A/C tensioner although I did detect a little play in the front plate on the A/C idler above it. What sort of job is it for a DIY "********" like me to replace the A/C tensioner and idler. I have ordered replacement belts in case. Any of avice from the Corvette family would be welcome. Cheers
