More problems with the accessory belt tensioner...

acr2002 · Post by **acr2002** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:31 pm

Hey guys, I really need some help/ideas...

I had an idler pulley on the belt tensioner go bad on my 2000 Neon. It was a pain, but I replaced it and put it back together. It sounded perfect until I drove it about 30 miles. Now, if I drive it easy - all is fine. If I take it past about 4500 rpms, the belt jumps over a rib on the crank pulley (it goes towards the engine) and starts squealing terribly, obviously b/c it is rubbing against the surface of the pulley. I can slip the belt back onto the crank pulley and all sounds immediately go away.

I did find a belt that would just BARELY fit and it helped a lot. The stock belt would slip off much sooner than this one, but I still can't floor the car...

Now, I can only assume the tensioner spring is bad and at that high of rpms it can't keep the belt tight enough, so it is able to move. Does that make the most sense to you guys?

On a side note, while I was taking off the side engine plate that the tensioner is on, I hit the crank pulley and chipped a little off the edge of it. BUT it is on the outside of the pulley (away from the engine). I didn't think this had anything to do with it, but what do you guys think? I am thinking about getting a new one since they are only $40 or so and it should probably be replaced, anyhow.

Thanks for any ideas. I am obviously trying to get away from replacing the $200+ tensioner/plate assy. Just hoping that maybe someone else has had this problem and found a cheaper/easier fix.

Jonathan

Danteneon · Post by **Danteneon** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:56 pm

It may be hard, but can you get a picture of where the tensioner marks are? There are a series of hash marks on the tensioner arm that will match up with the mark on the tensioner body if the tension is correct.

When you say you found a belt that barley fit, what do you mean? What is the part number of the belt you are using? Do you have a stock crank pulley?

acr2002 · Post by **acr2002** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 6:23 pm

I might try to get a pic...

The belt according to Advance Auto is about .2" shorter than the stock one. It fit snug on there. Stock crank pulley.

Post by **occasional demons** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 8:13 pm

Also if the pivot for the tensioner arm has worn, it may let the belt drift out of alignment.