Astra Crank Pulley

[BustedKnuckles]

I have a 2008 Saturn (Opel) Astra that has been going through belt tensioners about every year. I’m up to the 3rd one now. I’ve noticed that the crank pulley does not spin 100% true… not bad, but I’m wondering if enough to cause extra stress on the tensioner. I’ve inspected all the other components (ac, water pump, alternator) and all spin freely with no issue.

So.. the question remains.. why is it not spinning true? Harmonic balancer/crank pully? Engine bearings? I don’t hear any abnormal sounds, or feel any vibration.

I took a video of it, and put a straight edge next to it to demonstrate the “bounce” or spin of it:
Crank Pulley

-Paul

Topic

[Bill]

Some of those engines had balancer problems. I suggest that you replace it.

[college man]

Either the crank pulley has a problem or the crank bearing
has play.Inspect the balancer.

[Walter Cheryba]

Ran across this problem on an older Chevy V8 1994 vintage. The rubber material in the harmonic balancer had separated and caused an untrue rotation. It gets worse than what you are seeing when loading occurs from A/C, power steering and varying alternator demands. Power steering caused the most problems. I replaced the balancer AND the pulley just to be on the safe side. Maybe it is what ails your GM product too.

[BustedKnuckles]

So I replaced the harmonic balancer, belt and belt tensioner on the Astra two weeks ago. Tonight I was out and the blasted screech/squeal sound was back. Popped the hood and once again saw the tensioner vibrating more than it should. This is my 3rd tensioner!

What besides a bearing problem, or crankshaft problem would be causing this? I don’t hear any knocking or other sounds that are indicative of a bearing issue.

Stupid Opel.

[Bill]

did you have the A/C on when you heard the squealing?

[BustedKnuckles]

Yes it is on, and does seem to only be a problem when it is on.. but.. only from a dead stop upon acceleration.

[Bill]

It’s possible that the air conditioning compressor is going bad or the high side pressure is too high. You could have test gauges hooked up to measure the pressures. If nothing else it would rule that part out. Anything that makes the compressor hard to turn could cause the belt to slip enough to squeal.

[Author]

Replies