JHZR2
Staff member
Hi,
I need to know how to tell is an automatic belt tensioner is bad. I have a 98 S-10 ZR2 with the 4.3L V6. The other day, it started making a little bit different sound, and I came to the realization that the problem is actually the alternator bearings. The alt worked just fine, but the noise went away when I swapped it.
Now, I still hear some noise from the idler pulley and the belt tensioner. About the same noise level as when I put the stethoscope on the NEW alternator. All three parts are louder than the AC compressor, engaged or not.
That said, the noise is no longer audible int he cab, all is well, as it always was. But, how do I know when a belt tensioner is bad? Mine shakes some, especially when I hit the gas. However, it seems to me that such movement ought to be relatively normal, since the belt will flex somewhat with speed changes.
I think the tensioner also sometimes makes a ticking sound, just one or two ticks, a couple times, when Im accelerating from a stop. Usually its fine, though once in a while if the load increases substantially (like a hill comes up), Ill hear it again.
Similarly, how can I tell if the tensioner or idler pulley is going bad (bearings)? Will they make a grumbling noice? A squealing noise? I assume there is always some noise, especially on the hollow inside metal idler pulley. Do these pulleys go bad just out of the blue, or do you usually hear them in advance? Will they get real hot when theyre on the outs, since the bearings arent spinning efficiently?
Thanks very much for your help,
JMH
I need to know how to tell is an automatic belt tensioner is bad. I have a 98 S-10 ZR2 with the 4.3L V6. The other day, it started making a little bit different sound, and I came to the realization that the problem is actually the alternator bearings. The alt worked just fine, but the noise went away when I swapped it.
Now, I still hear some noise from the idler pulley and the belt tensioner. About the same noise level as when I put the stethoscope on the NEW alternator. All three parts are louder than the AC compressor, engaged or not.
That said, the noise is no longer audible int he cab, all is well, as it always was. But, how do I know when a belt tensioner is bad? Mine shakes some, especially when I hit the gas. However, it seems to me that such movement ought to be relatively normal, since the belt will flex somewhat with speed changes.
I think the tensioner also sometimes makes a ticking sound, just one or two ticks, a couple times, when Im accelerating from a stop. Usually its fine, though once in a while if the load increases substantially (like a hill comes up), Ill hear it again.
Similarly, how can I tell if the tensioner or idler pulley is going bad (bearings)? Will they make a grumbling noice? A squealing noise? I assume there is always some noise, especially on the hollow inside metal idler pulley. Do these pulleys go bad just out of the blue, or do you usually hear them in advance? Will they get real hot when theyre on the outs, since the bearings arent spinning efficiently?
Thanks very much for your help,
JMH