belt tensioner loosing spring tension??

Anyone have a problem with the tensioner losing some of it tension?? My 97 Blazer seems to be letting the belt slip and you can hear it kinda squeaking. I remove the belt and the nose goes away. I tried a new belt, and degreasing all of the pulleys (also replaced the alt, but that was because of noisy bearings). When you look at the tensioner while it is running, it bounces around a lot which is what is leading me to believe it is too loose. Also all of the accessory pulleys spin freely and while running no other part of the belt seems to be flapping, or otherwise loose.

Take a good look and feel to the idler pulley. I find more times than not this is the culprit of most squeaks on these vehicles.

cool, that's my next check.... I went ahead and replaced the tensioner (because the belt was floping quite a bit). It is better now (not flopping around anymore).

yzguy, I'm hoping that you could answer some questions I have. You mentioned that you replaced the tensioner yourself.

First thing is how much did it cost?

Secondly Any special tools required?

I had the misfortune of mine going out on me today. Kuckily I was very few blocks from home when it happened. No other damage that I can tell happened. The serpentine belt is still good.

Also if one can do it them selves. Is it very difficult to do. I try to do as much as I can. A Shade tree mechanic I guess. But I know when I'm biting off too much for my own good. :rolleyes:

Just trying to save some $$$ if I can.

it is very easy... if you can remove/install the belt and remove and install one bolt you can do it.

Just take off the belt, and get a 1/4 ratchet with the correct socket for the bolt in the center of the tensioner. Remove the bolt and pull the tensioner forward. Just look at the little "peg" sticking out of the tensoner at about 2 or 3 O'clock from the front. This peg must go into the hole for it on the block. Get a new one from the local auto parts store, I think mine was about $35 from Discount. Put the new washer on the new bolt that comes with it (if it does, I'm not sure if all do), line up the peg with the hole, and tighten up the bolt. That's it!!