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        General >> Problems >> Tensioner on Auxilary ( fan ) Belt Stuck
        
(Message started by: macw on Jul 13^th, 2006, 12:15pm)

Title: Tensioner on Auxilary ( fan ) Belt Stuck
Post by macw on Jul 13^th, 2006, 12:15pm

The Auxiliary Belt was screaming in the hot weather when turning (power steering) so I decided to change the belt. When I tried to move the tensioner (2.3 16V 1997 150K (motorways) can't recall ever replacing belt) it would not budge and pulling harder just moved the engine. I looked and the end stops of the tensioner and there is 1mm plus before it hits the end stop and 2mm plus of movement on the de-tensioning side (if it would move). I am reluctant to cut the belt (especially under tension and then replace or refurbish the tensioner) has anyone had a similar experience and do they have any recommendations on loosening the tensioner in situ. I have just sprayed some oil on the spring and in the gap between the two halves of the tensioner. Any advice much appreciated.

Mark

Title: Re: Tensioner on Auxilary ( fan ) Belt Stuck
Post by Daven on Jul 13^th, 2006, 12:38pm

You could try undoing the bolt holding it to the block a half turn - if it's too tight it can lock the temsioner

Dave

Title: Re: Tensioner on Auxilary ( fan ) Belt Stuck
Post by jonnycab on Jul 14^th, 2006, 1:37am

You say "pulling harder just moved the engine".
I'm sorry if this sounds a bit patronising (I may have mis-understood), but to move the tensioner you should push down (clockwise) :)
I've also got a 2.3 & my tensioner is a little stiff. I've found that if you can get underneath the front then pulling it downwards with your body weight & a long wrench seems to move it easier ;)

Title: Re: Tensioner on Auxilary ( fan ) Belt Stuck
Post by mr._floppy on Jul 14^th, 2006, 9:31am

Fix a socket ( or a long handed ring spanner ) on the nut holding the

tensioner wheel onto the arm ( NOT the nut holding the ternsioner onto the

engine block ) and push the tensioner arm downwards, there should be

more than enough movement to enable the old belt to be slipped off.

Do the same to put a new belt on .

Title: Re: Tensioner on Auxilary ( fan ) Belt Stuck
Post by macw on Jul 15^th, 2006, 9:30am

I put a little oil on the spring and the joint at the top of the tensioner a few times over the day, then gave it a small tap with a chisel on the arm and it loosened up. Put a new belt on anyway now I could move it (still has quite a lot of tension in it) and it seems to be OK now. Thanks for all your comments guys. The first belt lasted from new 8 years and 150K! A few things are starting to fail on the old girl now but I had more problems with my last new company car!