Belt Tensioner - Hoot?

[Idle_Chatter]

Well, I had'ta go and do it! I bragged about my lack of problems in the "How Many Miles" thread! I was going out to run some errands and since it's 55 degrees I decided to pop off the winterfront. Had the hood open and engine running and noticed noise from the belt tensioner. It's loud and jumping up and down. Is this the indication of the infamous '01 tensioner bearing, hoot? I'm planning on a run to Florida and back next week, so I better get busy on a new tensioner and belt. Question for hoot or others:
Is the replacement parts or whole assembly? Thanks.

[mackin]

Its one assembly......Mine jumps but no noise.....


Install the drive belt tensioner. Align the pin on the tensioner with the hole in the bracket.
Install the drive belt tensioner bolt.

Tighten drive belt tensioner bolt to 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) .

There is 3 different belts (lengths) determined by what Alternator and if you have dual .....If you weren't aware of it.....For 01.....


MAC

[hoot]

They do wobble even when new. I had mine replaced by the dealer at around 35,000 miles. It wasn't making any noise but it seemed loose as in side wobble as well as jumping. The jumping is caused by the belt not being perfect and the angle of the tensioner making it so the slightest inconsistancy in the belt causes a significant movement in the tensioner.

The brand new tensioner seems to be just as wobbly and jumpy.

Man this topic looks like the "Clash of the Signatures" ;)

[ 12-20-2002: Message edited by: hoot ]</p>

[Captain Mal]

Idle Chatter,

I carry a spare tensioner and belt. Never put them on. Darn tensioner jumps around at idle but smooths right out as rpm's are increased.

Far over 100K miles and it seems the same as when new. Unless you are making noise, watch but don't touch.

'01 GMC D/A sb 4x4 ext 2500

[Idle_Chatter]

I hear yah, Capt'n Mal! I only touch and wiggle with the engine off! Thanks for all the input, gents. Looks like I better try and round up a spare tensioner and serpentine belt to add to my "kit" for the Florida run, cause she's sure making some noise.

[Oongawah]

Just a thought, but could that jumping around be from that inconsistent torque that takes out torque converters? I just read about that last night in an another thread.

[6.6L&94ImpalaSS]

Mackin,

How do you determine what belt you need and what alternator you have?

Is there a better belt available?

Do you have a drive belt tensioner part number?

Mike

[mackin]

Mike

The tensioner part # tiss=&gt;97300857 Not cheep.....List for $110 Parts Direct it's $63.08......

You could either look up which RPO number (glove box) you have or find tag on alternator....


105A Rpo k68 Part # 97223129 Size 2830 MM

130A/150A Rpo k68/Rpo 8a7 Part # 97223130 Size 2853 MM


Dual 105A Rpo k65/Rpo 8x5 Part # 97223131 Size 3294 MM



There is a Gatorback belt avail......Somndmax gave me the part # I'll have to find it .....Or you could just use the lengths above ,let me know.....


MAC

[ 12-21-2002: Message edited by: mackin ]</p>

[6.6L&94ImpalaSS]

Thanks mackin!!!!!!!!!!

[Idle_Chatter]

Thanks for the quick inputs, and the part numbers, Mackin. Just got back from a little "jaunt" down to Towson, MD to pick up a tensioner at full retail ($110) :(
Wanted a belt, too, but they didn't have the "short one" in stock. I think the three sizes are: short for Non-CA trucks with single alts, medium for CA trucks with an air pump and single alt, and long for trucks with dual alts. My belt doesn't look too bad, but thought that a spare wouldn't hurt. I guess I'll order it from GM Parts Direct and save some money since I took a $30 drubbing on needing it on short notice.

[hoot]

GMpartsdirect.com
Although their shipping and handling is a bit high, I recently saved about $60 on a new style 4x4 actuator/harness for my '94 blazer. They are a GM dealer that sells cut rate on the internet.

Very fast shipping.

[ 12-21-2002: Message edited by: hoot ]</p>

[Idle_Chatter]

Well, got my new tensioner installed yesterday. Man! it was a PITA working up against the fan shroud and under that AC hose! Big difference. The new one has more of a "jiggle" at idle, where the original was acutally "jumping" 1-1/2 to 2" at idle. It was making noise and the bearing is definitely shot. I didn't have time to pull the pulley bolt, but it looks like that bearing might be replaceable to refurbish the removed one and keep it as a spare. Thanks again for all the support and information. Happiest Holidays to all!

[pepperidge]

Well,

I replaced mine yesterday same result as Idle Chatter.
I ended up buying @GMpartsDirect for $63 part # 97300857 $78 shipped .
The belt I ordered was a Goodyear Gatorback Belt 2830mm for the 105amp alt. Part # 4061112 , I got that from pick pro autoparts (a yahoo store-front) for $30 + $5 s&h here is the link.
http://www.pickproparts.com/

Hope this helps you guys out there facing the same problems.

[Tommy turbo]

Hey guys you can buy these aftermarket. I have had good luck and only about $45.00 Gates makes them.

[Idle_Chatter]

I just purchased and installed a Goodyear Gatorback 4061112 Poly-V belt that I got from Autozone Online for $34.99. Totaled out at $37.44 and arrived Fedex.

[pepperidge]

Idle,

I had contacted A.Z. for the belt online and instore and it was not available at the time.. Has there web site been updated to include this part?
Thanks

[pepperidge]

Idle,

Also, How long ago did you get it?

Thanks,

[Idle_Chatter]

Sorry for the late reply Pepperidge, been on the road "vacationing" in South Florida and just logged in tonight for the first time since leaving Ohio on the 11th. I went to the Autozone web site and entered the part number in the search field. Popped right up, put one in the cart and had it Fedex in a couple of days - was week before last.

[Manfred]

At 13K miles I just had the belt tensioner and the belt replaced under warranty. Symptrom was squeeling of the belt tensioner. Wonder if this is a common problem?

[pepperidge]

seems all to common a problem