Idler tensioner

[antmcg79]

My Idler wheel tensioner spring (I think) is going bad, causing the wheel attached to it to have a non-parallel angle to the CS, the belt to slip under strain/in wet conditions, and the idler wheel bearings to wear super-fast. I've already replaced the idler wheels, but didnt get a new tensioner assembly due to the fact I really don't know how to replace it. Plus the guys at Auto-Zone couldn't give me a definitive answer on whether or not they could give me the right part. Since it was a special order, non-refundable part, I bypassed it for now.
Anyways, if I do get the correct part, how hard is it to replace the Idler Wheel Tensioner Assembly?

[bah]

Re: Idler tensioner

its not that bad, just dealing with the heater core hoses is the hardest part, and that isnt bad, you can do it

[PWilliams84]

Re: Idler tensioner

My Idler wheel tensioner spring (I think) is going bad, causing the wheel attached to it to have a non-parallel angle to the CS, the belt to slip under strain/in wet conditions, and the idler wheel bearings to wear super-fast. I've already replaced the idler wheels, but didnt get a new tensioner assembly due to the fact I really don't know how to replace it. Plus the guys at Auto-Zone couldn't give me a definitive answer on whether or not they could give me the right part. Since it was a special order, non-refundable part, I bypassed it for now.
Anyways, if I do get the correct part, how hard is it to replace the Idler Wheel Tensioner Assembly?

antmcg, I am very INEXPERIENCED when it comes to mechanics, but the same thing happened to me about a week ago...i lost the belt 5 times in 2 hours, and finally had it towed home in the pouring rain....the assembly is rather large, you must first remove the alternator before you can get to the tensioner....then you must remove the heater hoses, which are a bit of a pain..be VERY careful!! they are fragile!....there are 3 bolts that you take out to remove the tensioner....none of which are connected to the water pump....one is hidden under the hoses kinda, just look for it...be careful removing it too, because just like the two inlet hoses, there are two outlet hoses as well..one you will see on the bottom, the other is kinda hidden toward the back.....once you get the new assembly, be sure to use the new O-rings that come with it...i put all of my stuff back together, and forgot the seals..fired it up...tensioner worked perfect, but water leaked out profusely and almost over heated....be careful!
ALSO
not sure what year you have, but, i have a 98....if you try any auto parts store, they dont have a tensioner for a 98....they have 97, 99....no 98..and from 96-02, years of the 3.8, they made 2 different ones...98+ uses the 99 one...96-97 use the 97 one....
IM me for any questions at PWilly84
good luck!

[antmcg79]

Re: Idler tensioner

Thanks, it was a simple enough job once I kept the hoses from spraying coolant all over! Oh, and most "new" tensioners come with the o-rings and the plastic inlet arms...
Overall, I was surprised how easy it went on