Belt Tensioner - Mechanical

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The only mechanical check that needs to be made is a check for tensioner stick, grab or bind.

With the engine OFF, check routing of the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to the illustrations under ACCESSORY DRIVE .

NOTE: The accessory drive belt tensioner spring is very strong and requires substantial force to release.

Using a suitable, commercially available serpentine belt tensioner release tool, release the tension on the belt and detach the accessory drive belt in the area of the tensioner.
Using the suitable, commercially available serpentine belt tensioner release tool, move the tensioner from its relaxed position, through its full stroke and back to the relaxed position to make sure there is no stick, grab or bind, and to make sure that there is tension on the tensioner spring.
Rotate the tensioner pulley by hand and check for a binding, contaminated or seized condition. Install a new accessory drive belt tensioner if necessary.
Inspect the area surrounding the accessory drive belt tensioner for oil leaks or contamination and repair any leaks. Install a new accessory drive belt tensioner as necessary.
If the accessory drive belt tensioner meets the above criteria, proceed to testing the tensioner dynamically. If the accessory drive belt tensioner does not meet the above criteria, install a new tensioner.