Drive Belt Tensioner: Description and Operation
BELT TENSIONERS DESCRIPTIONCAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an automatic belt tensioner.
Drive belts on all engines are equipped with a spring loaded automatic belt tensioner. This tensioner maintains constant belt tension at all times and requires no maintenance or adjustment. (Fig. 1)
OPERATION
WARNING: The automatic belt tensioner assembly is spring loaded. do not attempt to disassemble the tensioner assembly.
The automatic belt tensioner maintains correct belt tension using a coiled spring within the tensioner housing. The spring applies pressure to the tensioner arm pressing the arm into the belt, tensioning the belt.
If a new belt is being installed, the arrow must be within approximately 3 mm (1/8 inch) of indexing mark. Belt is considered new if it has been used 15 minutes or less. If this specification cannot be met, check for:
^ The wrong belt being installed (incorrect length/width)
^ Worn bearings on an engine accessory (A/C compressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pulley or generator)
^ A pulley on an engine accessory being loose
^ Misalignment of an engine accessory
^ Belt incorrectly routed.