Belt Tensioner - Mechanical

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

1. With the engine not running, check routing of the belt. For additional information, refer to the illustrations under DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION .
2. Detach the belt in the area of the tensioner.
3. Using the correct 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.
4. Rotate the tensioner pulley and check for a binding, contaminated or seized condition. Install a new tensioner if necessary. For additional information, refer to FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) - EXPLODED VIEW  and ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT TENSIONER .
5. Inspect the area surrounding the tensioner for oil leaks or contamination. Repair any leaks before installing a new tensioner. If the tensioner is contaminated, do not attempt to clean it as the damping mechanism inside may be damaged. Install a new tensioner if necessary. For additional information, refer to FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) - EXPLODED VIEW  and ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT TENSIONER .
6. If the tensioner meets the above criteria, proceed to test the tensioner dynamically. If the tensioner does not meet the above criteria, install a new tensioner. For additional information, refer to FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) - EXPLODED VIEW  and ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT TENSIONER .