I found there is some noise inside belt tensioner, when I took off the belt.
Must I change the belt tensioner, if there is noise inside?
Will it cause a serious problem?

Thanks

The bearing is probably dry and failing. Relubricating it now may not help. You can replace the bearing, or replace the complete tensioner.

More than likely, the noise is coming from the idler pulley, not the tensioner. If so, you should replace the pulley, which includes the bearing. The tensioner does not have bearings! You can purchase the pulley/bearing assembly at most part stores. If you would include the year of your car, we could give you a part number.

Changing the pulley was an easy fix for my 98. I think it was about $15 at Advance Auto parts.

The one quirk is that the bolt holding it on is reversed threads. So it turns to the right to loosen. That way it doesn't unscrew itself with the motion of the pulley.

Can one purchase the idler for a Buick without the tension arm? It seems that most of what I've seen are complete assemblies, but I'm not certain since I keep a small supply of 202- and 203-PP bearings on hand for pumps and motors, and they just happen to fit tensioners, idlers, alternators, etc. $4.50 is a cheap fix, and faster than running for parts.

http://www.wwdsltd.com/files/203Bearings.jpg

More than likely, the noise is coming from the idler pulley, not the tensioner. If so, you should replace the pulley, which includes the bearing. The tensioner does not have bearings! You can purchase the pulley/bearing assembly at most part stores. If you would include the year of your car, we could give you a part number.

Thanks a lot.
Mine is lesabre limited 2000.
The noise is still there, even after I take off the belt.
I appreciate your help.

The location of noise is in the red circle of the picture.

http://www.chinasmile.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34927&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1253553718

Thanks for clarifying where the noise is coming from. The section in the "red circle" is the spring & spring housing assy. What sort of noise are you hearing and do you only here the noise when removing the belt?

Thanks for clarifying where the noise is coming from. The section in the "red circle" is the spring & spring housing assy. What sort of noise are you hearing and do you only here the noise when removing the belt?

HotZ28,
Thank you for your quick response.

The noise is not that loud, and I can hear the noise near the car. I don't know how to describe what the noise sounds like. I am sure that the sound is not normal. I think the noise is just the begining. Yes, it is the only abnormal noise I can hear after the belt is removed, and it is inside the "spring" you mentioned.

I don't know if it is necessary to open the spring to check.

If you need more information, please let me know.
Thanks a lot.

With the engine OFF & belt removed, can you feel any play in the tensioner spring assembly? Put your hand on it and see if you can wiggle it back & forth, or side to side. BTW, it is very unusual for a tensioner to make a noise with the belt removed. In fact, I have never heard of this problem before!

I will check it tomorrow, and give the update.
Thank you hotZ. :)

With the engine OFF & belt removed, can you feel any play in the tensioner spring assembly? Put your hand on it and see if you can wiggle it back & forth, or side to side. BTW, it is very unusual for a tensioner to make a noise with the belt removed. In fact, I have never heard of this problem before!

Just a update. After I have engine oil changed, the noise is much reduced. I also spay some WD40 for the tensioner, and now it runs well.
Thank you for all your advices.