Belt Tensioner

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Tensioners are shown in free-state position against arm travel stops.

Fig 1: View Of Drive Belt Tensioner/Belt Length Indicator With A/C

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 2: View Of Drive Belt Tensioner/Belt Length Indicator Without A/C

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Automatic tensioners are calibrated at the factory to provide the correct amount of tension to the belt. Unless a spring within the tensioner assembly breaks or some other mechanical part of the tensioner fails, there is no need to check tensioners for proper tension.

The only mechanical check that need be made, if you have any doubt about the tensioner function, would be to remove the belt in the area of the tensioner, to avoid belt contact, then using the proper tool, rotate the tensioner from its relaxed position through its full stroke and back to the relaxed position to make sure that there is no "stick, grab, bind," and to make sure that there is tension on the spring. It is a normal condition for the tensioner to be moving, under certain conditions, when the engine is running. If the tensioner meets these criteria, it should be assumed to be a good tensioner.