Bad Tensioner Pulley??? Help!

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Aug 31, 2004 | 08:18 AM

bobsY2Kvette

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Drifting

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Bad Tensioner Pulley??? Help!

I have a belt squeal at idle and up to about 1500 revs on my 2000 A4. also the tensioner seems to be doing quite a dance. basically bouncing accross all three lines on the adjuster plate. I am going to be doing a 3000 mile road trip Coast To Coast in about 2 weeks. I am concerned as to wether I should replace it. Has anyone ever seen one of these go bad after just 24,000 miles?

I would also like to clean and re-oil my blackwing but dont have the time to wait for a Kit. Has anyone used any alternative? any suggestions on the proper procedure?

Thanks in advance for all your help.....Bob

Aug 31, 2004 | 08:40 AM

VetteDrmr

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Hot Springs AR

I would definitely replace the tensioner. There's no telling why it's gone bad, but it sure sounds like it is bad, so I'd swap it out. Usually (not having done it on mine) those aren't too much of a killer.

Honestly, I'd leave the blackwing alone. However, if you really want to do it, a K&N cleaner kit would work just fine. Those are available at just about any parts store.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

Aug 31, 2004 | 09:28 AM

bobsY2Kvette

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Drifting

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thanks mike. I thought so on the tensioner. as for the blackwing I had heard that the K&N cleaner and oil should not be used on the Blackwing. Unfortunatly, the search function is not working so i cant even search it out

Aug 31, 2004 | 11:26 AM

VetteDrmr

Le Mans Master

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From: Hot Springs AR

Bob,

That makes no sense to me. The blackwing, K&N, the green filters, all are based on oiled fabric filters. The K&N system just has a cleaner (you could probably use any generic dishwashing soap), and a light weight aerosol oil.

Don't know how many miles you've got on your blackwing, but even if you put it on new it shouldn't be too dirty unless you've been off-roading.

So, if you want to wait to make sure not to screw something up, just wait til you get back from your trip.

Have a good one,
Mike

Aug 31, 2004 | 09:13 PM

Evil-Twin

Team Owner

Joined: Mar 2001

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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA

St. Jude Donor '03-'04

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobsY2Kvette

If your going to replace the tensioner you should replace the idler too... if one goes bad the other follows closely behind.. this is a common problem and 24 K is not out of the failure range , I had a water pump go on my around 24 K
the drive belt tensioner takes a poot of abuse and see failure more times then the AC belt system tensioner

Sep 1, 2004 | 04:23 PM

kenrobb

Drifting

Joined: Sep 1999

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From: Weatherford TX

Don't use K&N oil on the Blackwing. It is a different animal than Blackwing's oil. Call LAPD to see if they have the kit. Any general cleaner will do, but can use mineral oil if no kit available. At least that is what has been posted and stated many times before.
There is a recall on the belt tensioner squeal. Not sure what years, but ask the dealer about the squeal. they replaced my 99 under warr.

Sep 1, 2004 | 10:02 PM

NIGHTMARE...2001

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2003

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From: BF Egypt Tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenrobb

There is a recall on the belt tensioner squeal. Not sure what years, but ask the dealer about the squeal. they replaced my 99 under warr.

Recall??? Dealer charged to replace mine!

Sep 1, 2004 | 10:40 PM

LoneStarFRC

Team Owner

Joined: May 2001

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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIGHTMARE...2001

Recall??? Dealer charged to replace mine!

It's a TSB, not a recall. If your out of warranty then you pay. If your still in warranty then the dealer follows the info in theTSB which usually involves replacing an older designed part with a new(er) design to solve a problem. HTH
Robert