Technical replacing alternator belt tensioner

Currently reading:
Technical replacing alternator belt tensioner

Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
294
Points
96
Location
Manchester
Good evening,

I've come to the conclusion through my aux belt chirping that my (spring-loaded) tensioner is on its way out. I cannot find, for the life of me a good tutorial on how to replace it.

Just to clarify - I'm referring to the drive belt (the one which operates the air con and alternator) not the timing belt (hidden behind a cover and operates the cam, crank and water-pump).

There are plenty of videos relating to the replacement of the drive (alternator) belt but none relating to the tensioner being replaced. Even the Haynes manual has no mention of this.

From what I've gathered and I hope other people can help here is :- undo the belt, align the tensioner and pop an allen key through two holes located in the top left of the tensioner. Then unscrew the central hex bolt and then I assume the tensioner is released. Refit the new one with the allen key (supplied) installed and tighten the hex bolt, once fitted, release the allen key and re fit the belt.

Any help is always appreciated

Matt.
 
The idea of the lock off holes is to stop it springing back when taking the belt off or putting it back on, not necessary but handy sometimes. If you are on about the bolt in the centre of the pulley, that will only release the pulley. From memory, there will be one or two bolts that hold the tension plate (the bit the pulley bolts to) to the engine block. If it's gone weak, replace the lot (might have to lock the tensioner up as you said to get access to the bolts)

If I spot any FIRE engines in work tomorrow I'll take a look (Alfa/fiat tech ;))
 
I can't find any details of the replacement procedure either, but your description looks correct. The allen key is used as a locking pin to keep the spring tension. If released, it could be very difficult to re-tension it, or may just be difficult to fit in its released state.

I see Euro list the whole tensioner assembly, a bit expensive if only the tensioner bearing needs replacement.
Try Googling any of these.
Fiat 55232827
INA 534 0069 10
Gates T38368

http://www.buycarparts.co.uk/oen/55...4TkGzHAxU7M9CMClkFq_qRUqeBgOAPpbvuRoCzALw_wcB

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROME...530957?hash=item5685c5f6cd:g:daUAAOSwO~hXIh6z

Edit:
http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/drive-belt-tensioner-pulley/fiat-panda-169-1-2-60hp_v17628_g310.html
 
Last edited:
This post contains affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
W ImageUploadedByFIAT Forum1462874763.652717.jpg

So I was wrong ( not the first time, won't be the last) you were correct, the hex through the centre of the body releases the tensioner. You won't need to lock it off to remove it, hope the pic uploads
 
Hi,

Thank-you very much for you help and advice. Just one more thing, will the tensioner have a small insert at the rear to help correctly align it, otherwise it'll be misaligned.

Many thanks,
Matt.
 
HELP!!!

I have purchased a new tensioner and for the life of me cannot work out how to remove the current tensioner. There isn't enough room for my socket set/allen keys etc.. I've tried everything but the bolt (HEX) seems inaccessible.

Is there a 'special' tool that needs to be purchased? I'm baffled, it looks easy but the space to work in is tiny!

Thanks,
Matt.
 
Let me see at work tomorrow. Your in Manchester right? Saturday afternoon I'm driving up to Bradford and back, if your really stuck I could swing round and take a look for you
 
From the pics it appears that the mounting screw needs a hex key. What size?
Some hex key sets are interchangeable hex bits in a common socket. The hex bit itself can be used separately with a spanner on it. just need to determine which one, and also obtain the right size spanner.
Something like this, https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/draper-33-piece-security-bit-set/ with a 1/4" spanner might work. Available widely, cheaply.
 
The pic was from a mito, bit more room to the chassis leg than a panda. Depending how close it is might be a remove engine mount and lift to gain proper access. And those bit sets are a great piece of kit, well worth having some in your tool set
 
Hi,

Asa James, I'm located in Liverpool now and unfortunately I'll be away at the weekend :(

I already have similar tools but it's an incredibly tight fit that lifting the engine looks like it might be the only way it's accessible - if only it looked as roomy as the Mito. lol

Matt.
 
Back
Top