I changed my plug wires yesterday. To get to the passenger side of the opti, I pulled the pulley off of the drive belt tensioner assembly. Now, after I've got it all back together, that pulley is squeeking to no end. I've got it torqued down pretty good. Is there something else I can do? ... take it back off, and grease it up or something? should I be worried (other than the annoying noise)?

Fred

 

dont think there's anything you can do. poss. you overtightened it. did you use the correct bolt when you reinstalled it? if so, then the pulley is prolly junk. should only be bout $20 or so anyways. I wouldnt leave it on there in the event that if freezes up and destroys the belt.
chris

 

It's the correct bolt... it's the only one I took off. I took it off, ran the plug wires, put it back on.

I thought about the over tightening, but there aren't any torque specs in the service manual for that particular one; just the two that hold the assembly to the engine.

 

Pretty safe bet when you pull the pulley back off and thread shrapnel fall out of the inside of the assembly, you've tightened it too much. Oh well, can't blame a guy... I didn't want it to fall off.

Fred

 

common problem with the tensioners...just go to NAPA and get a new on ($30); it's easier, and worth it.

 

If it's just the BEARING in the tensioner[ and not the tensioner part] you can replace just the bearing..:
TIMKEN 203FF
Just punch the old one out with a socket etc., and tap a new one in there..
If it is the tensioner thats shot .. then you have to buy the entire assembly..

 

I thought the squeeking was caused by the lose bolt, hence the overtightening. I tried WD-40 too late on the bearing. I've got a new assembly on the way now. Thanks for the help!

Fred

 

I'd say just take the 2 bolts out the next time around.....

 

yea, that would've been better, but one bolt was so much easier to take out than two!!

 

I think he learned his lesson I believe.....Shortcuts aren't always the better way in the long run..