automatic tensioner 99 EXP
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automatic tensioner 99 EXP
My 99 Explorer (4.0L) started screeching loudly on the way home yesterday. Looked at it when I got home, and the serpentine belt is loose, and the automatic tensioner (never needs adjustment) seems very sloppy. I can move the tensioner in and out a fair bit.
Anyone have any experience with the tensioner? Is it supposed to be so loose, and could my problem then be just a stretched belt? I tried tightening the center bolt that holds the tensioner in place, but I couldn't get it to budge, and not wanting to mess it up I left it alone.
Thanks
Jonny D
Anyone have any experience with the tensioner? Is it supposed to be so loose, and could my problem then be just a stretched belt? I tried tightening the center bolt that holds the tensioner in place, but I couldn't get it to budge, and not wanting to mess it up I left it alone.
Thanks
Jonny D
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From: Cincinnati
Look at the tensioner
where it mounts to the engine. You should see a little white plastic bushing between the arm and body. If you see more white on one side or the other, it is about to pop out. Mine recently went bad on my 97. When I put a wrench on it to relieve the tension and inspect it, it flew apart. Replacement is about $45. I got creative and rebuilt mine. My pulleys made a little noise and the bearings were dry. I popped the dust cover off them and regreased them. I'm just cheap. If your's are noisy get new ones. This is the kind of failure that will leave you stranded. Everyone shoulf be checking theirs. These new ones are real crummy compared to first gen.
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From: Cincinnati
Just a single bolt holds it in the center. Bolt will take a bit of force but not excessive. Seemed to be enough clearance when the belt was removed first. There is a steel bushing under it with a very thin plastic washer. The plastic wears through and then the strrl wears through the aluminum arm. I made a bushing that wore on the section of the arm that was still left. Hey, I was stuck at home.
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taking it in
thanks again. Since we're a one vehicle family and I leave tomorrow, I am going to dirve it in to town today to have it replaced . I hope the belt and or/tensioner will last the thirty minute drive. If I had the gear, I probably would try repacking it like yourself, but can't chance it now that we have new baby at home.
