Replacing tensioners S80 with 144K miles

MoosePond123 · Post by **MoosePond123** » 31 Mar 2013, 08:04

I have a S80 with 144K miles on it. The timing belt, timing belt tensioner and serpentine belt were replaced at 104K miles. The water pump, timing idler pulley and serpentine tensioner were not changed and are original. While replacing my alternator yesterday I noticed that I could wobble the edge of the serpentine tensioner pulley side-to-side about 1/8 of an inch and it also made a slight noise when I spun it. There was no play when I tried to move it up and down on the bolt. Should this serpentine pulley be completely silent when spun? If it should be replaced, should I replace both the serpentine tensioner and pulley? Can you remove the pulley without removing the tensioner? Also should I be concerned that I still have the original timing idler pulley at 144K? Thanks!

Eldoninoz · Post by **Eldoninoz** » 06 Apr 2013, 09:10

I would replace timer idler pulley for sure. No reason to chance it failing and having to rebuild a head or worse. Learned this first hand as the previous owner changed the timing belt and not the tensioner or the idler. My tensioner pulley decided to relocate itself outside the timing cover. I also have all the ball bearings to find and remove.

Replacing a few pulleys is cheap insurance and peace of mind.

Just my two cents worth.

Eldoninoz · Post by **Eldoninoz** » 06 Apr 2013, 09:19

I would also replace the tensioner pulley for the serpentine belt. It shouldn't have that much play. I am in the process of replacing the pulley on my tensioner in the next few days, while fixing the timing problem seen in the previous photo.

Eldoninoz · Post by **Eldoninoz** » 06 Apr 2013, 10:03

If you need some guidance on how to replace the timing components here is the best video I have found on the procedures from one of the sponsors.

If you want to tackle the job yourself. The only difference I have is the intercooler tubing and that I have a hydraulic tensioner instead of a spring loaded one.