Serpentine belt tension-er

PONTIAC LOYALIST

MEMBER
2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
5.3L
V8
AUTOMATIC
122,000 MILES

I had someone put on a serpentine belt for me on my car it is the GXP model. In the process they released tension from the tension-er instead of from the adjustment screw. After the application of the belt, they attempted to put the bolt back in the tension-er and broke the top of the spring that connects to the bracket. I recently purchased a serpentine belt tension-er from a 2007 GXP 5.3L. So my question is, will the 2007 tension-er fit my car and if not would I be able to tighten the belt manually?

5 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,475 POSTS

Tension-er should bolt right up. There is no adjustment screw, you simply use a long arm tension-er tool (or a ratchet) and lever the unit back, remove the belt and install the replacement.

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Thursday, November 30th, 2017 AT 6:52 PM

PONTIAC LOYALIST

MEMBER
2 POSTS

So the 2007 tension-er will fit my 2008? We have the replacement belt on now it is just a little play in the belt. As of right now he could not get the tension-er on. He feels there is a difference in the years.

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Thursday, November 30th, 2017 AT 10:10 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,475 POSTS

The part numbers for the 2007 and 2008 with the 5.3 are the same. Delco #12596250
Used on the 5.3 Pontiac GP from 05-08, Should be a direct fit.

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Friday, December 1st, 2017 AT 5:25 AM

PENRIGHT

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1 POST

1. How many idle pulleys does the 5.3 have?
2. From the above image, looks like 3 smooth and one grooved. Is this correct?
3. Are all the smooth ones the same?
4. Can the tensioner pully be changed or do you have to do the spring and supporting brackets as one unit?

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Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 AT 6:34 AM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,475 POSTS

On the 08 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 5.3 -
3 smooth, 2 at the alternator, 1 down on the block near the crank pulley.
2 grooved, 1 on the tensioner another by the PS pump

Using GM parts none of them are the same. However in aftermarket parts they sell one smooth part that fits in two places. See the attached picture, green ones show as same aftermarket part.

Yes but if they are worn enough to warrant replacement the tensioner pivots and spring are likely aged enough for the same.

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