Thursday, June 2, 2011

How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?

I had the water pump replaced (under warranty) because it was leaking/spraying. The mechanic said I had to replace the serpentine belt, too, because when antifreeze gets on it, it will no longer work well. So, I agreed to that. The belt was not covered by warranty, but I figured it was good insurance to change it. When I picked up the car, I was told that the tension assembly for the serpentine belt was also wearing out and that I should replace that also. That also would be not covered by the warranty. Is it likely that there is this problem also? How can I check that there is a problem with the tension assembly without just taking the word of the mechanic?How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?
If you get any squeeling or noises from the belt you need a new tensioner as they do wear out, usually one bolt takes them off and then just reinstall the new one and about $65 for the part depending on your application.How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?
I usually pull on the belt while watching the pulley/tensioner if it flexes away from or towards the engine it is bad. If it binds when trying to remove or tension the belt it is bad also. But I do not understand why the water pump is under warranty and the tensioner is not.How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?
Usually you can tell if it makes a squeaking noise, indicating the bearings or bushings are wearing out. You can normally pull it back by its spring and rotate it. If it doesn't free-wheel, try squirting some WD-40 or a little oil near the hub and try again. If that doesn't work, you can probably bet the bearings are bad. It's pretty common to find one in your local junk yard, because I believe this assembly is common to many GM cars.How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?
THE TENSIONER IS BASICALLY A BIG SPRING,IT KEEPS TENSION ON THE BELT AT ALL TIMES.IF IT IS GOING BAD YOU CAN GRAB THE BELT AND PULL ON IT,IF THE TENSIONER MOVES TOO FREELY IT WOULD BE WISE TO CHANGE IT.AN EASY REPAIR TO DO.SOMETIMES THE TENSIONER WILL LOCK UP AND NOT MOVE FREELY AT ALL.IF YOU CANT DO THE REPAIR YOURSELF IT DOESNT COST THAT MUCH TO HAVE SOME ONE DO IT FOR YOU.DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE,IM IN ILLINOIS COST INSTALLED ABOUT 100.How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?
Most GM serpentine belt tensioners have markings on the tensioner body to indicate that they are functioning within specification. You will see two marks on the inside half of the tensioner body, and one mark on the outside half (closest to the belt). As long as the single mark is lined up between the two inner marks, your tensioner is wthin specification and does not require replacement.



You can only observe this while the part is installed on the car, while under tension from the drive belt. It is impossible to ascertain once the part has been removed, which sounds like that is the case in your situation. FWIW, serpentine belt tensioner failure IS quite common on GM 2.8/3.1/3.4/3.8 engines, I've replaced many. Hope this helps!How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?
1--if your water pump was leaking, you probably only needed a gasket...nice it was under warrantyu.

2--anti-freeze on a belt WILL NOT RUIN IT, belts are constantly bombared with junk all of the time, the mechanic lie to make money, he probably cleaned it!

3--tension on a serpentine belt does not wear out...you need a real mechanic..someone who not trying to get all the money out of you...tension on a belt is spring loaded....--stick a rular down next to the belt..start the belt at a number, make it level as possible, push it down with your finger..usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch play...when u push down.....How can you check if the tension assembly for the serpentine belt needs to be replaced in an Oldsmobile?
i have a oldsmobile too. if the belt is loose, then the tensioner needs replaced, because thats what keeps the right tension on the belt at all times.if the belt is loose, then you were told right.