The pin is just holding the tension off on the tensioner for easier install. Put the belt on and all that stuff before pulling the pin out.
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Do you remove the pin on belt tensioner?
Remove the accessory drive belt. Use the extension/breaker bar on the smooth pulley tensioner arm, rotate the tensioner counter clockwise to remove the pin/bolt. Slowly allow the tensioner to rotate in a clockwise direction until the tensioner reaches the low stop.
Can you adjust the tension on a belt tensioner?

What tool do I use to loosen a tensioner pulley?

When should I replace my belt tensioner?
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.
How do you release a tensioner?
To loosen an AI tensioner, such as an alternator, loosen the main mounting bolt, usually on the engine, and the locking bolt, usually on a bracket or arm. If equipped with a tensioner screw, back off the tensioner screw. Then, push the alternator toward the other pulleys, loosening the belt.
How do you put a serpentine belt on without a tensioner?
If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.
How do I know if my belt tensioner is bad?
Common signs include grinding or squeaking noises coming from the belt, unusual belt wear, and belt-driven accessories like the alternator failing.
Can a tight serpentine belt cause loss of power?
The water pump stops working too, so the engine starts to overheat after some time. At a point, the engine will pack up and will require being towed. So yes, a bad serpentine belt cause loss of power.
What does a loose belt sound like?
A loose drive belt will often be noisy, squeaking a bit, or emitting a high-pitched squeal. The most obvious sign of a loose drive belt, though, is in its appearance and tension.
Should belt tensioner wobble at idle?
If your car’s belt tensioner is wobbling, it is important that you take prompt action and replace the faulty part. Even if you are slightly concerned that your belt tensioner might be wobbling, it is best to take your car to the shop or replace the part yourself.
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, the differences between idler pulleys and tensioners also extend to purpose.
How long does it take to replace a tensioner pulley?
If you are doing the job at home, give yourself about four hours to change all the parts. You will need the following tools and parts: Replacement idler pulley. Tensioner pulley.
Why do belt tensioners fail?
The most common causes of timing belt tensioner failure include: Wear and tear: On a new mechanical timing belt tensioner system, the timing belt tensioner spring is wound tightly by two tension rods. Over time, the spring stretches out and loses its tension. As a result, the entire tensioner becomes too weak.
How much does it cost to have a belt tensioner replaced?
The Average Cost to Replace your Car’s Drive Belt Tensioner is Between $235 and $267, Depending on Whether You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
What happens if belt tensioner fails?
When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise.
Can a belt tensioner make noise?
Tensioner noise A squeaking or rattling noise coming from the tensioner indicates wear on the tensioner’s internal components and impending tensioner failure.
What is a belt tensioner assembly?
The drive belt tensioner in your car is a small component that works in conjunction with the serpentine belt to ensure that everything in your engine works as it should.
How do you use a belt tensioner tool?

What causes serpentine belt squeal?
Top Three Reasons for the Squeal Low belt tension either caused by low installation tension, a stretched belt, extreme belt wear, tension spring degradation or a belt that’s too long. High accessory/idler pulley drag from seized bearings or accessory failure/lock-up.
Can I replace 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 drive without a serpentine belt?
Under no circumstances can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.
Can I drive with a bad belt tensioner?
Driving with a bad belt tensioner is unsafe since the tensioner is meant to guarantee ample tension that powers accessories. Wear on the belt tensioner will eventually cause the belt to slip, generate loud noise, and also create an unsafe level of heat along the accessory pulleys.
How long can you drive with a bad tensioner pulley?
So, how long can you drive with a bad idler pulley? The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. You should be concerned if the vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises. The car can still run for months or break after a few days.
How long does a belt tensioner last?
You should expect to replace your belt tensioner in the 40,000-70,000 mile range. It is also customary to swap more than one part simultaneously, usually a worn-out pulley from other systems and even the serpentine belt itself.