Belt tensioner problems?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 455
Likes: 226
From: AZ
Belt tensioner problems?
I have a 14, at 9000 miles the belt tensioner was replaced (I didn't have the car at the time). I now have 44k miles, and a few days ago I started hearing this tingy whining noise at about 1100 rpm. My husband finally looked at it last night, and the first thing he says is it sounds like a belt tensioner, and I then told him that it had been replaced in the past. I've read this is a relatively common issue in the 14s? The part is really cheap, so I'm hoping it is that, so I can have him replace it, as he has always been my "mechanic"... Anything to avoid the dealership. I've read this is a relatively common issue in the 14s? Any insight would be great. Thank you in advance.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 173
From: San Jose Ca
If that doesn't fix it, change the belt. I went through every tensioner on my Tahoe and repacked the bearings with no improvement. Changed the belt, and the squeaky bird was gone!
I have not heard of tensioner problems on the 14s. I can't imagine they're any different than on any other GM motor with a serpentine belt.
I have not heard of tensioner problems on the 14s. I can't imagine they're any different than on any other GM motor with a serpentine belt.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 112
Likes: 8
From: Toronto
Just had the tensioner and belt replaced on my 2015 (37k miles).
It was making a "dry bearing" noise though, not a whining noise ... kind of like the noise that sandpaper makes on a dry surface.
Belt looked fine on the car, but once removed, I noticed a few cracks.
It was making a "dry bearing" noise though, not a whining noise ... kind of like the noise that sandpaper makes on a dry surface.
Belt looked fine on the car, but once removed, I noticed a few cracks.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 264
Likes: 73
From: CT
I recently had the tensioner replaced under warranty on my ‘17 Grand Sport. This evidently is a common issue and they just came out with a redesigned tensioner. When I brought my car in for the problem there was a Z06 waiting for a new tensioner also. After the part came in and I brought the car back a few weeks later the tech said he had about 5 more Vettes come in with the same problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 40
From: Edmonton Alberta
I had to replace the tensioner and the belt on my 2016. The tensioner had failed and the serpentine belt grooves were damaged as a result. Mechanic at the local GM dealership saved the parts to show me the deterioration.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 455
Likes: 226
From: AZ
Thank you guys for all the insight!
What did yours sound like?
What did yours sound like?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 49
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From: Portland OR
Hi, all! I just started this thread : https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1600191032
Is that the sound you're hearing?
Appreciate the help!
Is that the sound you're hearing?
Appreciate the help!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 850
Likes: 415
Replacing the tensioner fixed the noise in my 2014. Somewhere in one the TSBs related to the issue it was mentioned that the noise occurs most often when switching from V4 to V8 mode. It makes sense that the vibration that cause it to make the racket is also likely to be the cause of the problem in the first place. When I replaced mine I also got a Range AFM eliminator device.
If you look at the top of the tensioner cylinder and see a little oil residue it’s a good sign you have found the problem. The noise is made by the piston and spring clacking inside after the dampening oil leaks out.
If you look at the top of the tensioner cylinder and see a little oil residue it’s a good sign you have found the problem. The noise is made by the piston and spring clacking inside after the dampening oil leaks out.
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14's did have a tensioner problem with leaking fluid. But if its not leaking I'd replace the belt first. If its the original belt its dried out by now and might be easier to replace then the tensioner. Belts can sound like bad bearing, squeaks and all kinds of noises.
Melting Slicks
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From: Edmonton Alberta
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Hopefully replacing the tensioner and belt solved the problem. Not good though that the items failed so soon.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 7,137
Likes: 3,176
From: Kannapolis MA.
GM,Had time to get this right.Especially after the early yrs..It's 
That a tensioner and belt need replacement that early and often.Well,The car is great,not perfect.
Hmm,Rims Suck,Tranny Issue's,Here and Their.Ahh,Some fit and Finish Probs..
I'd never buy GM Again
Just purchased a GMc Canyon....
Ha,Sucker.WE GOTYA
That a tensioner and belt need replacement that early and often.Well,The car is great,not perfect.Hmm,Rims Suck,Tranny Issue's,Here and Their.Ahh,Some fit and Finish Probs..
I'd never buy GM Again
Just purchased a GMc Canyon....
Ha,Sucker.WE GOTYA
Last edited by DALE#3; Oct 20, 2019 at 06:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 455
Likes: 226
From: AZ
Yeah it completely solved everything , and sounds like normal again. Bought the car with 15k miles, noticed at 9k miles it was replaced at the dealership lol. Now has 44k and needed it replaced. Granted, the parts were $90, and took my husband about 30 minutes, it is still disappointing this is an issue. Luckily, this car has been issue free, up until this, so not too many complaints
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
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From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
Yeah it completely solved everything , and sounds like normal again. Bought the car with 15k miles, noticed at 9k miles it was replaced at the dealership lol. Now has 44k and needed it replaced. Granted, the parts were $90, and took my husband about 30 minutes, it is still disappointing this is an issue. Luckily, this car has been issue free, up until this, so not too many complaints