Tensioner?

[DRC]

One other issue I have been having is a very brief screeching/squealing sound when starting or turning off the engine. It does not happen every time, it is intermittent...but I am also noticing my battery meter fluctuating a little for no apparent reason from time to time (checked battery and alternator and both are fine). So I am thinking that one or both of these issues are due to a slipping belt and/or a bad tensioner pulley bearing.

Has anyone replaced the tensioner before? Is it as simple a job as it looks to be?

[00Beast]

Replace the belt first, then if it still occurs, replace the tensioner.

[DRC]

Will do, thanks. Any particular brand you would suggest for the belt? Go with original Delco....or is there an aftermarket belt that's better option? So many brands out there.

[01bonneSC]

Goodyear Gatorback

[DRC]

Goodyear Gatorback

Thanks 01bonneSC...goin to pick one up right now!

[DRC]

One more question...if the new belt doesn't help and the tensioner pulley is the problem, is it better to just yank the tensioner off and replace the bearing, or replace the tensioner outright?

[01bonneSC]

You may be able to replace just the pulley, I replaced the whole tensioner cause it was bouncing around.

Not work the work to just try to press out the bearing.

[00Beast]

If the belt is squealing because of a lack of tension, then you need to replace the whole tensioner. A bearing squealing is a different noise and not

[DRC]

I am thinking it's the bearing because it's a short noise when turning the engine off. I would describe it as more of a grind then a squeak. Lasts only about a second.

If it were the belt, it should make noise when engine is running correct?

[bc21]

try taking off the belt and turn the tensioner pulley and any other pulleys that you can move by hand and see if you feel if they are hard to turn. They should turn very freely. If you have any noticeable resistance, it may be the bearing in the pulley starting to go. I have had to replace several of these pulleys. It has been awhile since I have had to change the pulleys but I do believe one of the bolts that hold them on is reverse threaded.

[01bonneSC]

Or if you get a long screw driver or mechanics stethescope, you can put it on the bolts of each pulley and hear which ones are grinding.

[DRC]

Thanks for the ideas guys, I will definitely try these out!

Anyone know when replacing the serpentine belt, how much you are to tighten the tensioner after new belt is on? Do you tighten as much as you possibly can? This is actually my first time replacing a serpentine...

[01bonneSC]

It's spring loaded, self tensioning.

I would look on you tube for a video if this is your first time.

[DRC]

It's spring loaded, self tensioning.

I would look on you tube for a video if this is your first time.

Just did actually...video was for an Impala, only diff I see is different design of coolant overflow tank. Looks simple as can be. I picked up the Gatorback today as per your suggestion ($45 after taxes), gonna toss it on tomorrow morning.

[01bonneSC]

Don't forget to find the belt diagram under the hood or jot the routing of the belt down on a piece of paper before you take it off so you can refer to it when you install the new one.

[DRC]

I don't see the belt diagram under the hood anywhere...so will definitely draw up my own. I also read somewhere that this diagram is shown in the owners manual.

[01bonneSC]

Could be, I don't remember.

Rule of thumb:
When in doubt, write it out.

[DRC]

New belt is on, but still getting the noise when shutting the engine off. I had my son start and stop the engine a few times while I listened as close as possible, and it's either the tensioner or the water pump making the short grind noise. Can't quite tell. I will replace the tensioner and see if that clears it up....if it doesn't is this a sign that the water pump is on it's way out?

[01bonneSC]

I would really spend the <$20 on a mechanics stethescope, will allow you to hear exactly where the sound is coming from. It's a great investment, trust me.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002SQYSM

You can get them at any autoparts store

[DRC]

Great idea...many times in the past where I could've used one. Just picked one up on Ebay for $10, close to home so should be here by next week sometime.