02 Explorer Serpentine Belt Tensioner Problems

[BryanS1620]

After noticing that the belt tensioner was rocking back and forth, indicating a bad damping mechanism on the tensioner, I replaced both the tensioner and serpentine belt. Both were replaced with Goodyear. Everything looked good and running smooth, and the tensioner was steady. Today, I happened to check on it and the tensioner is rocking again. Has anyone experienced this?

Did I get a bad tensioner? Or are the Goodyear belt just big enough that the tensioner is hitting it's stop??

[xFatcatx]

Its an automatic tensioner compared to the old style alternator belts that are on a bolt and bracket system. The tensioner bouncing up and down is normall, just not excessivley.

[marquis00]

i have the same problem. how much should it bounce. i haven't changed mine yet, was just about to it also?

[way2old]

The tensioner might flex up to 3/4 inch depending on the load on the engine. If a/c or defroster is on, it will deflect more because of the extra load on tensioner. Usual movement is 1/4 to 1/2 inch deflection.

[marquis00]

yep its was a bad tensioner. when i removed it, the spring had barely any tension to it and was making alot of noise. the new one had twice the tension and is silent now.