Shuttering Belt Tensioner Help

[Leo]

I’m having a problem with a vibrating/shuttering belt tensioner.
It’s a brand new tensioner mechanism and serpentine belt. The tensioner is “doing it job” by moving but its supposed to be dead still when idling from my understanding correct?

I just replaced the alternator as I hear this is a common cause of belt shuttter due to the bearings inside. It did help lessen the tensioner vibration but there still is a bit of play.

What should be my next course of action?
Crankshaft Pulley? Power Steering Pump? AC? Waterpump? These are the only pulleys left…

Topic

[college man]

What car are you working on? sounds like your new tensioner may be defective.
see if this helps.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/determining-the-causes-of-vehicle-vibrations

[Leo]

The car is a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE v6 3.1L

DORMAN Part # 419101 is what I bought. I really hope that the belt tensioner is good 🙁 . Is this likely?

[Leo]

Is there a way of testing if the tensioner good?

[David]

I would take the tensioner back and replace it, it does sound like it might be a dud.

[Leo]

I bought it off rock auto. I live in canada so shipping it back might be costly. I bought it on March 17, so i’m past 30 return time. Thoughts? Buy a new one? Not a Dorman I Presume?

[Cameron]

[quote=”knookle89″ post=135985]Is there a way of testing if the tensioner good?[/quote]

The symptoms you have described are those of a definite malfunction in the tensioner so effectively you have tested it and it has failed. Do not leave it on there.

I would not use that product at all but a GATES product instead.
http://www.gates.com/products/automotive/passenger-car-and-light-truck/accessory-belt-drive-system/drivealign-automatic-belt-tensioners
http://www.gates.com/~/media/education/Files/Belt%20Tensioners%20Crucial%20Role.pdf

Hope it works out for you OK.

[Leo]

Sounds unanimous. I’ll switch it out for a gates belt tensioner and see if that solves it. Thanks to all for your help. I’ll post back with the results.

[Leo]

How are dayco Tensioners? Any good?

[Leo]

ok dayco sounds ‘okay’ quality. I can only get a gates tensioner from rock auto only 🙁 . I hear GoodYear Tensioners are great and I can get them locally at the auto parts store. Gates or Goodyear?

[Author]

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