i was just replacing my belt when i noticed the housing for the tensioner had part of the casting on the side broken off, and it would not tighten anymore. removed it from the block, took it apart, and there were some broken plastic pieces in among the spring, preventing it from allowing the spring to fully tighten the belt. removed the pieces, put it back together, and reinstalled it. belt is tight now, and works with ac on as well. however, it seems that the pulley on the tensioner (which should be able to move, if you were pulling/pushin on it to change the belt) is moving up and down just a little, within the 2 marks cast into the housing. my question is, how much vibrating is ok, if any at all? is it supposed to be rock solid? basically im trying to figure out whether this will work as a permanent fix of if i need to get a new tensioner assembly (minus the pulley).

thanks guys for your help.

 

the tensioner arm will Vibrate a little bit. As long as its moving between the cast marks, you should be ok. But IMHO, I would replace the arm if your having problems with it. theres no sense risking your car leaving you on the side of the road. Mike

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1997 Camaro Z-28
1997 Chevy K1500
1994 Mark VIII
1978 Corvette
2003 522DVX
2000 Hayabusa

 

Agreed. Some vibration is normal, especially if you've done an underdrive pulley swap (like me).

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1994 Black Firebird 3.4L
Mods include:"Ghetto Master" K&N FIPK, Crane 8MM Plug Wires and Accel Coil Packs, ASP Underdrive Pulleys, SLP Take-off Shocks and Struts, Edelbrock Performer RPM Catback, Catco Hi-flo Cat, 1 pc. steel DS, built GM 4L60E transmission.

Founder of the Free Aqua M&M's Society

Track Times (only FIPK).
E/T: 17.209
MPH: 77.326
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