Puzzled (Serpentine Question).

Morning,

My '01 Golf was making a chattering noise at idle. You could see the tensioner bouncing a bit and if I pushed on the shock the chatter went away.

After doing a little research it sounded like my alternator pulley was probably on it's way out. Before ordering parts I went out to check things out though. I pulled the belt off and I'll be if I can find anything wrong with anything. The alternator pulley works perfectly, I jammed the armature and it turns smoothly in one direction and locks in the other. The idler spins nice and smooth as does the idler on the tensioner.

I put it all back together and for what ever reason chattering seemed to be better. It's not completely gone but considerably less noticeable.

So...that leaves the shock, right? I can't think of any other thing it could be. Just running it past you folks before I order parts.

Thanks,

K

The shock does wear out, yes.... check for play in the rest of the tensioner though. If it's sloppy it will simply trash the new shock so if that's the case just change the whole thing.

The idler on the tensioner spun free put had a bit of play in it, not a lot but a bit of wiggle.

Maybe I should bit the bullet and do the whole thing. That sucker isn't cheap.

K

You don't have to buy an OEM part. Gates the quality timing belt manufactuer does a tensioner at a reasonable price. About £74.00 GBP

i bought a dayco part at advance and it was actually an oem litens tensioner in the box

I would replace the complete tensioner, idler pulley and the serpentine belt if it hasn't been done in a while.
If it still seems to chatter somewhat then I would do the alt pulley too.
Then you can forget about it for a while and not worry about busting the accessory bracket..........but thats just me.

Idparts has a tensioner kit with belt for cheaper than the tensioner and idler separately

I just have posted video about replacing drive belt tensioner assembly….
i have also video of replacing shock only, in the case you are interested…..
GOOD LUCK with your repairs
Have a nice day.