Serpentine belt/tensioner questions

2004 HYUNDAI SONATA
68 MILES
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JANEERRS
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  • 2 POSTS
I just wanted to double-check to make sure I'm not being taken for a ride by an unfamiliar mechanic. Don't mean to offend, but I have had some terrible experiences in the past and can't afford a repeat.

My car's power-steering went out after heavy rain (and AC, etc.). This generally happens briefly during wet days, but instead of coming back right away like usual, it was continuously out. When I opened it up, my serpentine belt was entirely gone.

Everything else looks okay to me, but obviously I'm not a professional, so when they tell me the tensioner needs to be replaced, I am a bit confused. Is it possible that the rain, and not the part is the issue? Or is the moisture just aggravating the problems with my tensioner/s?

Also, how much should this cost, generally? I would really like the minimal amount of expense; I just need to be able to make the trip from MA to NJ so my gear-head brothers can deal with it.

Thank you very much for your time.
Sep 22, 2011 at 3:26 AM
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JANEERRS
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68K, not 68 miles.
Sep 22, 2011 at 3:26 AM
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PROMECHANIC
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 536 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It is possible that you need a new tensioner. Since this problem happened in the rain and it sounds like that is the only time it happened it could also just have been a problem with the belt. There is really no way for me to tell without being able to inspect it. You can ask them what the problem is with the tensioner. If you still aren't sure then ask to see it so they can show you. Be sure to ask to see it while it is on your car so they can't just grab one out of their old parts bin.
You could try just replacing the belt and if it still gives you problems then it could be the tensioner.
The tensioner should cost around $100 and belts are usually in the $30 range.
Sep 22, 2011 at 3:49 AM
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