How to change a V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change serpentine belt tensioner pulley on a car – replacement tutorial

Things you may need:

                      a new tensioner pulley kit
                    
                      a set of suitable tools
                    
                      torque wrench
                    
                      anaerobic sealant
                    
                      universal spray cleaner and a wire brush
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      A jack, jack stands and wheel chocks may also be needed

Buy tools

Please note!

The tensioner pulley may be a part of the belt tensioner mechanism
Or be equipped with an integrated tensioner device
Reasons for replacing the tensioner pulley may include jamming or noises when starting or running the engine

1.

In any case, the belt must be removed to replace the tensioner pulley
2.

In some cars you simply need to open the bonnet to access the tensioner pulley
3.

In other cars you will need to remove a wheel and some car body parts
4.

On most vehicles with a transverse engine, access to the tensioner pulley is via the right front wheel arch

Please note!
Some vehicles are designed without a tensioner pulleyIn some cars, its function is performed by a movable alternator or power steering pumpA self-tensioning belt can also be used instead of tensioner pulley
5.

Take a picture or sketch a belt routing diagram
6.

Loosen the serpentine belt. To do this, move the automatic tensioner aside or loosen the tensioning mechanism
7.

Attach a suitable tool to the tensioner and move it aside

Important!
The tool must be secured reliably to prevent injury
8.

After loosening the belt, remove it from one of the pulleys
9.

Return the tensioning mechanism to its original position
10.

Remove the belt from the other pulleys
11.

Use a lock pin if the design of the tensioner provides for this
12.

Check that the tensioner and idler pulleys can move freely and check the condition of the alternator one-way clutch, crankshaft damper pulley, and all other pulleys

AUTODOC recommends:
Replace these components if necessary
13.

Remove the tensioner pulley cover
14.

Unscrew the tensioner pulley fastener and remove it
15.

Clean the tensioner seat

Please note!
A tensioner pulley typically consists of a bearing in a plastic or metal housingThe part does not usually have a specific installation directionWhen replacing the tensioner pulley, be sure to use a new fastener
16.

Secure the tensioner
17.

Tighten the tensioner fastener with a torque wrench to the torque recommended by the car manufacturer
18.

Install the cover
19.

Loosen the tensioner and install the poly-V-belt
20.

Make sure that the belt is installed correctly, not misaligned, and that its ribs are fitted into the pulley grooves
21.

You can also turn the crankshaft pulley to check that the belt is correctly installed
22.

If the tensioner is mechanical, check the belt deflection by pressing on the long section between the pulleys. It should not deflect too much
23.

Adjust the belt tension if necessary

AUTODOC experts recommend:
If the automatic mechanism does not provide correct tensioning, it must be replaced as a kit