pdonket

Hey all, wanted to ask you guys for info on replacing the belt tensioner on the serpentine belt on the 4.0L V6. My girlfriend has a squeak coming from under the hood that sounds like it's either a pully, the belt, or the belt tensioner. I've read up on replacing the belt if that's the case but since her car is only about 5 years old now, I don't think her belt should be rotted out enough to be causing squeaking. I'm gonna have her check whether the belt has tension in it to see if its the tensioner and then if all of that isn't the problem, I assume it probably has to be a pulley right?

Are there any good instructions out there on replacing the tensioner if that ends up being the problem?

Thanks all!

JimC

Replacing the tensioner/idler arm is fairly easy. You need a 3/8" ratchet or breaker bar. There is a square hole on the back side of the tensioner arm, place the 3/8" in that hole, pull toward the passenger side and release the belt. The idler pulley is easy to remove and replace with the arm still mounted to the car so you don't have to pull the arm off the engine to replace it. To remove the arm if you have to there are 3 bolts as I recall, but can't remember the size; but if it is just the pulley don't take it off.

Nice Pony

Like Jim said the tensioner is easy to replace. I would start with the belt first though. 5 years old the belt could definitely be getting hard and less resilient which could cause a squeak. Replace it and see if the squeak goes away. Next check the idler pulleys with the belt removed to make sure they spin freely and have little to no play in the bearings. It is unlikely the tensioner needs replaced but if so it will come with a new ribbed idler pulley. There is just one bolt in the middle that attaches it to the engine. Also check the crank pulley. There has been an issue with them separating at the rubber joint the connects them to the hub.

pdonket

Appreciate the help guys! Looks like next weekend this will be the fix up project. Also have to get around to ordering some quarter window louvers for a birthday present