The tensioner cannot be adjusted. If it is squealing it is because the spring in the tensioner is gone (even though it might appear to be tight). A new one in Canada is about $150. I went to a junk yard and got a used one for $25. It has lasted three years already with no…
Read the full replyDoes anyone know what the torque should be on the tensioner for the belt on a '95 Saturn w/air? The belt is squealing very bad and I was going to change the belt, but just thought I'd check the tensioner while the belt was off just in case the belt doesn't fix it, before purchasing a tensioner.
Jerry
P.S. the belt seems very tight to me, but the car has 157,000mi.
If you have over 150K on your car, put a tensioner on it NOW. They are known to come apart leaving you stranded.
James
Are you sure it's the belt squealing, and not the tensioner or idler pulleys?
Did it begin to squeal at low RPM's only?
Idler and tensioner pulleys have bearings which start squealing usually before 150K miles. Others here have replaced just the bearings but usually you buy a new idler or tensioner assembly. When I replaced the tensioner on my wife's 92 SL1 not only was the bearing bad, but the part that provides tension was obviously pretty beat up too.
Other pulley bearings can squeak too (alternator, PS, etc.).
Tim.
I agree. Lots of stuff to squeal on that belt...tensioner, water pump, idler, alternator, A/C and power steering. They all have bearings.
My whining noise was the idler pully...$21. But I replaced the tensioner, too ($52) while I was in there. Probably should have done the alternator, but I'm at 159,000 miles and I just want to see what I can get out of this original alternator.
Barry in C'ville
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