So I have done a search about my serpentine tensioner and there is no how to for this part, just wanted to know what size of wrenches are needed and how and go about replacing it. Mine is bouncing like crazy and the dust boot around the shock is missing. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Serpentine belt tensioner replacement
- Thread starter jetmech54
- Start date
1854sailor
Resident Curmudgeon
If it is "bouncing like crazy" you most likely need a new alternator pulley too. IIRC, 15mm to release the tension, and the attachment bolts are 13mm.
Last edited:
Mawcus
Veteran Member
x2 you probably want to do the alternator pulley and put in a new belt. Its an easy job maybe an hour start to finish. If you are gonna do the alternator pulley you will need a special tool. One bit stops the alternator from spinning while the other bit removes the threaded alternator pulley. I got one from Metalnerd.
http://www.metalnerd.com/cat05.htm Part Number MN3400
here's a link for a how to for the BEW engine(which is what I have) ALH is a little different. The tensioner is different and there is an extra idler pulley.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=200104
I would just replace everything while your in there...tensioner, belt, alternator pulley, idler pulley. its a tight space but not too hard of a job to do
http://www.metalnerd.com/cat05.htm Part Number MN3400
here's a link for a how to for the BEW engine(which is what I have) ALH is a little different. The tensioner is different and there is an extra idler pulley.
http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=200104
I would just replace everything while your in there...tensioner, belt, alternator pulley, idler pulley. its a tight space but not too hard of a job to do
ymz
Top Post Dawg
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That would be 16 mm to release the tension on the tensioner... Yes, you do need the special bits to remove the old alternator pulley... see http://www3.ns.sympatico.ca/roseland/VWPartsA4.htm for a Canadian supplier of pulley and bits...
Yuri
30_Yr_Dsl_Veteran
banned Ric Woodruff alias account and troll
That means it is working properly!!!
1854sailor
Resident Curmudgeon
dogdots
Vendor
16mm fits the hundreds of tensioners I have taken belts off of...
As far as the tensioner itself, there are 3 13mm headed bolts to remove, its pretty straight forward. One bolt is longer in the bottom as it has a thicker portion of the tensioner to go through.
To check the alt. pulley, use a thin screwdriver to hold the internal fan blade still while you gently try to turn the alternator pulley by hand both directions. If it doesn't slip counterclockwise your pulley is locked up causing the bouncing.
As far as the tensioner itself, there are 3 13mm headed bolts to remove, its pretty straight forward. One bolt is longer in the bottom as it has a thicker portion of the tensioner to go through.
To check the alt. pulley, use a thin screwdriver to hold the internal fan blade still while you gently try to turn the alternator pulley by hand both directions. If it doesn't slip counterclockwise your pulley is locked up causing the bouncing.
AndyBees
Top Post Dawg
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Dogdots ^^^^ what he said!
Also, tip, going back with the tensioner, be careful to NOT overtighten any of those three bolts... spec torque only! They are screwed into the aluminum engine accessory bracket!
The roller on the tensioner itself can be bad causing some bouncing. And, of course, if the boot is gone, there's a good chance all the oil and gas have left the tensioner too! I'd also consider replacing the other smaller roller down next to the AC compessor. It's life is limited too!
I hope you find the ALT pulley to be just fine! .... let us know!
Also, tip, going back with the tensioner, be careful to NOT overtighten any of those three bolts... spec torque only! They are screwed into the aluminum engine accessory bracket!
The roller on the tensioner itself can be bad causing some bouncing. And, of course, if the boot is gone, there's a good chance all the oil and gas have left the tensioner too! I'd also consider replacing the other smaller roller down next to the AC compessor. It's life is limited too!
I hope you find the ALT pulley to be just fine! .... let us know!
volmaniac
Veteran Member
fixmyvw.com has this replacement strut for the serpentine belt tensioner:
http://www.fixmyvw.com/replacement-strut-for-serpentine-belt-tensioner-vw-alh-tdi-038903315c/
I installed one when I did my tb change last summer, made a big difference.
http://www.fixmyvw.com/replacement-strut-for-serpentine-belt-tensioner-vw-alh-tdi-038903315c/
I installed one when I did my tb change last summer, made a big difference.
Vince Waldon
Top Post Dawg
...but 80/20 if it's "bouncing like crazy" it's the pulley's fault, NOT the tensioner.
None-TDI example, but it shows the general idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EXYP1CmL9Q
None-TDI example, but it shows the general idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EXYP1CmL9Q
Tussey
Well-known member
+1 Replace your alternator pulley and the tensioner otherwise you will have this kind of failure while driving, and you'll lose your belt along with power steering, A/C, and alternator.
