This is only a nitt-picking servicing detail question but, if anyone could advise, I would be appreciative of the depth of knowledge lurking in this NG.
On the engine referred to in the header in a 1998 (early) Vectra Estate, I recently found the belt squealing a little at cold startup (presumably when the alternator was heavily loaded. It didn't seem connected with the power steering position) and I would like to deal with it promptly to avoid having to replace the belt.
On examining, the belt tension was a bit sloppy, say 1+1/2" movement side to side under finger pressure on the longest run. So using Haynes manual, I rotated the tensioner pulley backplate using a hex socket to slacken the belt at first prior to tensioning it up. According to the manual, when I released the socket bar, the pulley should have been forced back against the belt by the spring unit That didn't happen - the belt just stayed slack. So I released the pivot bolt a little and the bracket then did return.
The pivot bolt seemed to have a central bush which maybe should have allowed this rotation to retake up the tension even if the bolt was tight...... Well that is my assumption and where I need experienced comment.
Should the tensioner be free to keep the pressure adjusted even though the pivot bolt is tight? Do these pivot bolts seize up? I have not trusted Haynes cut down manuals for many years so perhaps they just forgot to mention releasing the pivot bolt? I would have thought that tensioning adjustment should work continuously in the interests of low maintenance. Do I need to, for example, remove the pivot bolt and clean/grease the hole it goes into?
Advice from anyone who knows this engine would be appreciated as always.
Tony.