2002 Regal Tensioner

[rodinaz]

I read in tips and maintenance the tip on releasing belt tension. Does that one 15mm center bolt through the idler release tension as well as re-adjust belt tension? It looks like all it does is hold on the idler. Maybe I don't get it but the arm its connected to has graduation markings on the right side where it appears to move/swivel. I'd think there should be a bolt through there but there isn't. What am I missing? I was a mechanic years ago but I don't want to start something now and end up with a suprise.

This car is older but has 35,000 original miles. I may replace the tensioner but I'm going to replace all the hoses and belt. Does it have those plastic elbows that should be replaced as well? Thanks for your help.

Rod

[BNaylor]

The tensioner is automatic. The 15mm bolt holds the idler pulley on to the tensioner assembly and is the fulcrum point to release tension. The procedure at Tips & Maintenance works and well proven by many including myself.

The procedure is applicable to any '97-'04 Buick Regal and yes it has the two elbows.

[rodinaz]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

The tensioner is automatic. The 15mm bolt holds the idler pulley on to the tensioner assembly and is the fulcrum point to release tension. The procedure at Tips & Maintenance works and well proven by many including myself.

The procedure is applicable to any '97-'04 Buick Regal and yes it has the two elbows.

Thanks for the quick reply. The fulcrum point doesn't look to be directly under the bolt but I guess it will make more sense once I take it apart. Thanks again.

Rod

[richtazz]

The pivot point is at the base of the tensioner arm, the bolt is at the other end for leverage.

[rodinaz]

Originally Posted by richtazz

The pivot point is at the base of the tensioner arm, the bolt is at the other end for leverage.

Ok, I see so when I loosen the center bolt through the tensioner it takes all tension off the belt? Then it puts tension on the belt when its tightened?

I have to put this off for two weeks but I am wondering if this Buick has a bypass hose? Meantime I need to get prepared so I don't have to take a bus to the auto parts store.

Rod

[BNaylor]

The bolt does not loosen when you do that. Look the 15mm bolt holds the idler puller onto the tensioner fulcrum arm and it the point you apply a breaker bar with 15mm socket so you can get leverage. The tensioner itself is spring loaded. So you put a 15mm socket on a breaker bar to the 15mm bolt and turn counterclockwise to loosen the tensioner so you can remove the serpentine drive belt and clockwise will move the tensioner so you can reinstall the serpentine drive belt. In another words the whole tensioner arm will move back and forth since it is spring loaded.

What do you mean by bypass hose? Once again there are two coolant bypass elbows on the tensioner. One goes to the lower intake manifold and the other goes to the water pump.

[rodinaz]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

The bolt does not loosen when you do that. Look the 15mm bolt holds the idler puller onto the tensioner fulcrum arm and it the point you apply a breaker bar with 15mm socket so you can get leverage. The tensioner itself is spring loaded. So you put a 15mm socket on a breaker bar to the 15mm bolt and turn counterclockwise to loosen the tensioner so you can remove the serpentine drive belt and clockwise will move the tensioner so you can reinstall the serpentine drive belt. In another words the whole tensioner arm will move back and forth since it is spring loaded.

What do you mean by bypass hose? Once again there are two coolant bypass elbows on the tensioner. One goes to the lower intake manifold and the other goes to the water pump.

Thanks, I didn't know it was spring loaded so its making sense now. I read about a by pass hose but I see that was for earlier 3.8 engines. One more question-- At 34,000 miles do you think its really necessary to replace those elbows? Its 6 years old but I may only own it 3 more years or about 30,000 miles.

Rod

[BNaylor]

It all depends if they come off intact when you remove the tensioner assembly. It will be hit or miss regardless of age or mileage.

We've got 135K miles on our '99 Regal LS and it will be 10 years.

[rodinaz]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

It all depends if they come off intact when you remove the tensioner assembly. It will be hit or miss regardless of age or mileage.

We've got 135K miles on our '99 Regal LS and it will be 10 years.

Finally, I'll have time this weekend to take it apart. I've decided not to take off the tensioner assembly because of the cars low mileage. I would like to know if the tensioner pulley can be replaced without taking the tensioner assembly off the car? Also what size are the heater hoses? They appear to be 5/8". Thank you

Rod

[BNaylor]

Yes, you can replace solely the tensioner idler pulley. Just remember the bolt is reverse threaded so clockwise will loosen the bolt to replace the pulley.

The heater hoses are 5/8" which is standard, however, they are specially molded for proper fit.

[rodinaz]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Yes, you can replace solely the tensioner idler pulley. Just remember the bolt is reverse threaded so clockwise will loosen the bolt to replace the pulley.

The heater hoses are 5/8" which is standard, however, they are specially molded for proper fit.

In a prior post, counter clockwise loosens. In this post clockwise loosens, just making sure here, I don't want to strip a bolt. Thanks again for your help.

Rod

[BNaylor]

That is to move the tensioner pivot arm to remove the serpentine drive belt. Removing the idler pulley and the retaining bolt is a different issue. The bolt is reverse threaded due to the rotation direction of the pulley.

[HotZ28]

In addition, if you do change the pulley, remember that the tensioner is aluminum and the threads will strip out if over tightened. This is a common problem when some of the "num-nut" mechanics (Pep Boys) do not follow proper procedure. (Very few of them know that the bolt is a left-hand thread) Point is, be careful and follow the procedures outlined and use correct torque settings.

[BNaylor]

In anticipation of the OP's next question.

Idler Pulley Bolt 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.)