Belt tension-er rattles at idle and has slight play

COOLOLDS85

MEMBER
1989 BUICK REGAL
2.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
56,100 MILES

I just replaced the belt tension-er and drive belt. Is it normal to do this? Or should be quiet and with not any play being able to move? I checked the belt tension-er to see if it was loose and it was tight even tho it rattles back and forth when engine running. Everyone told said it is normal because the tension-er needs to have some play so the belt and accessories can move smoothly. But does rattling mean the tension-er has an issue?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

The tension-er should not be rattling. You should be able to move it, but it should require a lot of force to do it. Take a look through this link and see if it is helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-serpentine-belt-tensioner-works

Here is a link that shows how to (in general) replace one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

With that in mind, either you got a bad tension-er, it is incorrectly installed, the belt routing is incorrect, or they sold you a belt that is slightly too long.

Check for those types of issues and let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, October 22nd, 2018 AT 5:45 PM

COOLOLDS85

MEMBER
173 POSTS

It doesn’t rattle to the extent that it is falling off, it is installed the correct way. Just has slight amount of my play. The belt is the right size too. I made sure before I bought the belt. The belt doesn’t squeal, just hear a small rattle sound from the tensioner. But the tensioner moves a little bit when the belt drives the accessories. I thought it was supposed to be like that so it won’t bring tension on the belt when it drives the accessories ect

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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 3:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Welcome back. It is common to see some movement. However, I thought it was making an excessive rattling sound. That would not be normal.

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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 5:37 PM

COOLOLDS85

MEMBER
173 POSTS

Thank you, Not real loud, just a little at idle. That’s about it.

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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 AT 9:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

You're welcome. Sorry about my misunderstanding on the first post. They all move a little. I thought it was excessive and making a lot of noise..

Take care,

Joe