Belt Tensioner Loose
Ivan R
02-08-2006, 06:04 PM
hey, for a while now i've been hearing weird tapping noises from under the hood. turns out i think the tensioner is loose causing the belt to still turn the other accesories but yet smack up against the tensioner. it is a automatic tensioner and i was curious if it is possible to tighten it up or once its loose is it junk. if it junk how would i go about replacing it and how much might one cost?
hillboy
02-10-2006, 10:44 AM
You might repost with year indicated in the title. Better chance to get reply.
Ivan R
02-10-2006, 04:48 PM
That would be a 2000 malibu 3.1 L V6
sunster
02-21-2006, 10:45 PM
I replaced a tensioner on a '98 due to sqeaking sound for around $60 CDN. I also had to spend $18 CDN for the serpentine belt tool as the replacement tensioner was just wide enough that it would not allow the 3/8" ratchet to connect to it once I was ready to replace the belt.
exmonkeypunk
02-24-2006, 09:12 PM
an automatic tensioner can't really loosen up so to speak. they usually wear out. grab the belt and pull on it. if the tensioner flexes fairly easily,then it's shot. a replacement will cost around 40bucks. shouldn't need anything other than a 3/4 inch ratchet.
EricinTN
02-25-2006, 03:40 PM
If your belt is messed up, you're going to have some fun. You have to support the engine with a jack and disconnect the right engine mount to change the belt.:eek:
Dreamspawn
02-25-2006, 08:23 PM
i have a 98 3100. my tensioner loosened, and when it did i had problems out of other components. like for example, the brakes would pop and then go to the mat, which really sucked. but what it was , was the tensioner was really cracked. But if u think yours is loose it is prob not , there is no way to tighten them. u just have to replace.
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2025