Table of Contents
What can I use instead of a belt tensioner tool?
It turns out that a 1/4″ 3/8 drive socket fits nicely into the aforementioned 3/8″ square hole, while clearing the frame: One then simply needs a long enough open end wrench (or spanner, if you prefer) and a jack. Simply jack the tensioner up until you can remove the belt.
How do you loosen a tensioner pulley?
Turn the bolt head in the center of the spring-loaded arm of the belt tensioner counterclockwise with a ratchet and socket to loosen the bolt. The tensioner will rotate freely before it comes to a stop. When the spring-loaded arm comes to a stop, continue to turn the bolt until the bolt loosens.
How do you free up a belt tensioner?
If equipped with a tensioner screw, back off the tensioner screw. Then, push the alternator toward the other pulleys, loosening the belt. To loosen an NAI tensioner, loosen the locking nut or bolt, then back off the tensioner screw. Push the pulley toward the other pulleys or accessories, loosening the belt.
Can you put a serpentine belt on without tools?
The serpentine belt in most modern vehicles transfers power from the crank pulley to the various accessories mounted on the engine. If your serpentine belt needs to be replaced, it can be done using only common hand tools.
What tool removes tensioner pulley?
Most vehicles utilize a serpentine accessory belt, which powers items such as your power steering pump and alternator. The CRAFTSMAN® Serpentine Belt Tool provides the leverage and clearance needed to remove the tensioner pulley that holds the belt in place.
Is a tensioner pulley supposed to move?
Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.
Are tensioner pulley reverse thread?
The PULLEY bolt on the tensioner is left hand thread (turn clockwise to loosen) but the bolt that retains the tensioner to the alternator bracket is standard right hand thread (turn counter-clockwise to loosen). If you are trying to remove the tensioner from the bracket it just takes a little muscle.
How tight should a tensioner pulley be?
When twisted either way from the middle, the tension in the belt must not be more than 12 inch. The belt is too tight if it is twisted more. The positions do not work for the vehicle.
Can you break a belt tensioner?
If the drive belt tensioner pulley has any sort of issue it can cause unusual and accelerated wear on the belt. A bad pulley can cause fraying on the edges of the belt, and in severe cases can even cause it to break.
What size socket do you need for a tensioner pulley?
Inspect the belt tensioner pulley to see what size gap it has for a tool to fit in. If the gap is 1/2 wide and square, as is the case in many vehicles, a standard 1/2 inch ratchet will be sufficient.
Is the idler pulley and tensioner pulley the same?
The primary distinction between tensioners and idler pulleys is the presence of an adjustable bolt. Tensioners are positioned on the bolt through mounting. Idler pulleys are not mounted to an adjustable bolt. However, if bearings fail, tensioner and idler pulleys both require replacement.
Can I change a serpentine belt myself?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
Can you tighten a tensioner pulley?
Turn the adjustment bolt on the side, top or bottom of the pulley counterclockwise with the ratchet and socket until the accessory belt is loose enough to remove. Tighten the tensioner pulley by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise with the ratchet and socket until the belt is tight.
Can a bad belt tensioner cause misfire?
The belt may oscillate between too little tension and too much tension. The belt will slip and catch, causing noise and vibration. This can cause a change in crankshaft speed that can be severe enough to cause the engine management system to think that a misfire just occurred.
Can you spray WD40 on an alternator?
No, you cannot spray an alternator with WD40. As I said earlier, WD40 is a fluid cleaning agent. Plus, a nice intentional way to destroy or reduce the lifespan of an alternator is, by spraying a liquid agent in it. When you spray a WD40 on an alternator, it would also find its way into other areas it doesn’t fit.
What tools do you need to change a alternator?
In addition to a replacement alternator, you’ll need some tools: Hand tools like ratchets, sockets, and wrenches. Belt tensioner tool. Gloves and safety gear. Battery tender or memory saver, if necessary. Jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks, if necessary.
