Table of Contents
How do you align a tensioner pulley?
Turn the adjustment bolt on the side, top or bottom of the pulley counterclockwise with the ratchet and socket until the accessory belt is loose enough to remove. Tighten the tensioner pulley by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise with the ratchet and socket until the belt is tight.
Can you adjust the tension on a belt tensioner?
Locate the adjuster bolt on the belt tensioner used to secure the serpentine belt, and adjust the tension by loosening or tightening the adjuster bolt with a racthet and socket while you simultaneously move the belt back and forth gently to find the proper tension.
How much tension should a belt tensioner have?
A general rule of thumb for the correct tightness is being able to twist a belt with a thumb and finger a 1/2 turn and feel resistance. If you can turn it more than a 1/2 turn, you do not have enough tension on the belt. If you cannot turn it a 1/2 turn, you have too much tension on the belt.
Can you over tighten a tensioner pulley?
If you can turn it more than a 1/2 turn, you do not have enough tension on the belt. Over-tightened belts can cause internal damage to the bearings inside the pulleys. It can also cause overheating of the belts and premature wear.
How do you release tension on a spring loaded tensioner?
Turn the bolt head in the center of the spring-loaded arm of the belt tensioner counterclockwise with a ratchet and socket to loosen the bolt. The tensioner will rotate freely before it comes to a stop. When the spring-loaded arm comes to a stop, continue to turn the bolt until the bolt loosens.
How do you release tension from a lockdown tensioner?
If equipped with a tensioner screw, back off the tensioner screw. Then, push the alternator toward the other pulleys, loosening the belt. To loosen an NAI tensioner, loosen the locking nut or bolt, then back off the tensioner screw. Push the pulley toward the other pulleys or accessories, loosening the belt.
Is it normal for belt tensioner to move?
The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.
How do you adjust the tension on a serpentine belt?
Locate the adjuster bolt on the belt tensioner used to secure the serpentine belt, and adjust the tension by loosening or tightening the adjuster bolt with a racthet and socket while you simultaneously move the belt back and forth gently to find the proper tension.
What happens if your belt tensioner is not adjusted?
As such, if your belt tensioner is not adjusted correctly, components like the alternator, power steering pump and water pump will not function properly. The good news is, adjusting it is a fairly simple procedure, so you can save a good deal of money by doing the job yourself.
What causes a belt tensioner pulley to squeak?
Tensioner pulley wear will cause your pulley to squeak. A worn out pulley bearing or a worn spring in the tension pulley can also cause squeaking or a chirp. I show you how to use water to identify what type of squeak problem you have and then how to find the problem.
When do you know you have the right tension on your belt?
You will know that you have the right amount of tension when you can twist the belt about half a turn with your thumb and finger. Less than half a turn is too much tension, and more than half a turn is not enough.