Serpentine belt tensioner

Mike Trident · 27th July 2022, 06:40

Just a quick question

Does the serpentine belt tensioner ever loose it's spring and need replacing?

Thanks

Mike Noc · 27th July 2022, 09:07

Haven't heard of it happening Mike. Mine has done over 427k miles and is still working fine. Only thing I've come across is the back nut not being tight enough and the whole bearing moving when trying to take the tension off.

Have you got a specific problem?

Mike Trident · 27th July 2022, 11:29

The belt screeches occasionally when the weather is hot and I jump in and give it full lock. When the AC has kicked in and both the engine fan and interior fan is at max, full lock just takes it over the edge I guess.

So my plan is a new belt, and I just wondered should I replace the tensioner at the same time.

Mike Noc · 27th July 2022, 14:42

Replace the belt and you can check the tensioner at the same time. They take some pulling back to get the belt off, anything less and it could be suspect.

Could be a problem with the power steering pump if the pressure relief valve isn't operating as it should - that could overload the belt on full lock. Must admit I never go as far as full lock - I've been driving the car long enough now to know where it is.

Mike Trident · 27th July 2022, 21:02

I'm guessing it's a slightly loose belt, it only happens perhaps 4 maybe 5 times a year, only in summer, only when the fans are on full tilt, when the alternator is working flat out.

Thanks for your advise though, if I'm still having problems after the new belt is fitted, It'll be a new pump.

Just watched a YouTube video by Chris fix, fitting a new pump to a bmw. It shows a loose belt slipping on the pump pulley, exactly the noise I'm getting. Plus fitting a new pump looks straightforward if I need to do it.

27th July 2022, 06:40	#1
Mike Trident Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Saloon & Citroen C1 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Oakenshaw, Near Bradford Posts: 1,622 Thanks: 385 Thanked 552 Times in 328 Posts	Serpentine belt tensioner Just a quick question Does the serpentine belt tensioner ever loose it's spring and need replacing? Thanks __________________ Rover 75 2.0 CDTi (131Ps) Conn SE Saloon. (Manual) 160 Remap, cruise control, electric window blind, temp gauge, Real walnut / ZT interior, FBH with GSM control. BORN Tuesday, 5th October 2004 @ 12:35:52 This vehicle was the 104,679th 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 3,318th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE (135) to be made out of 4,744 This vehicle was the 12,440th 75 in Starlight Silver (code: MBB) to be made out of 14,280 Starlight Silver 75s

27th July 2022, 11:29	#3
Mike Trident Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Saloon & Citroen C1 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Oakenshaw, Near Bradford Posts: 1,622 Thanks: 385 Thanked 552 Times in 328 Posts	The belt screeches occasionally when the weather is hot and I jump in and give it full lock. When the AC has kicked in and both the engine fan and interior fan is at max, full lock just takes it over the edge I guess. So my plan is a new belt, and I just wondered should I replace the tensioner at the same time. __________________ Rover 75 2.0 CDTi (131Ps) Conn SE Saloon. (Manual) 160 Remap, cruise control, electric window blind, temp gauge, Real walnut / ZT interior, FBH with GSM control. BORN Tuesday, 5th October 2004 @ 12:35:52 This vehicle was the 104,679th 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 3,318th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE (135) to be made out of 4,744 This vehicle was the 12,440th 75 in Starlight Silver (code: MBB) to be made out of 14,280 Starlight Silver 75s

27th July 2022, 21:02	#5
Mike Trident Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Saloon & Citroen C1 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Oakenshaw, Near Bradford Posts: 1,622 Thanks: 385 Thanked 552 Times in 328 Posts	I'm guessing it's a slightly loose belt, it only happens perhaps 4 maybe 5 times a year, only in summer, only when the fans are on full tilt, when the alternator is working flat out. Thanks for your advise though, if I'm still having problems after the new belt is fitted, It'll be a new pump. Just watched a YouTube video by Chris fix, fitting a new pump to a bmw. It shows a loose belt slipping on the pump pulley, exactly the noise I'm getting. Plus fitting a new pump looks straightforward if I need to do it. __________________ Rover 75 2.0 CDTi (131Ps) Conn SE Saloon. (Manual) 160 Remap, cruise control, electric window blind, temp gauge, Real walnut / ZT interior, FBH with GSM control. BORN Tuesday, 5th October 2004 @ 12:35:52 This vehicle was the 104,679th 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 3,318th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE (135) to be made out of 4,744 This vehicle was the 12,440th 75 in Starlight Silver (code: MBB) to be made out of 14,280 Starlight Silver 75s

27th July 2022, 09:07	#2
Mike Noc This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,550 Thanks: 3,470 Thanked 3,119 Times in 2,247 Posts	Haven't heard of it happening Mike. Mine has done over 427k miles and is still working fine. Only thing I've come across is the back nut not being tight enough and the whole bearing moving when trying to take the tension off. Have you got a specific problem?

27th July 2022, 14:42	#4
Mike Noc This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,550 Thanks: 3,470 Thanked 3,119 Times in 2,247 Posts	Replace the belt and you can check the tensioner at the same time. They take some pulling back to get the belt off, anything less and it could be suspect. Could be a problem with the power steering pump if the pressure relief valve isn't operating as it should - that could overload the belt on full lock. Must admit I never go as far as full lock - I've been driving the car long enough now to know where it is.