serpentine belt tensioner/idler replacement

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 03 Feb 2016, 06:11

My 1998 developed an awful wine last night which I am attributing to a failing serpentine ldler/tensioner.

It looks like its an all in one that bolts onto the engine block? I can see the top bolt near the alternator but I cannot see where else it is fastened. I would guess there are at least two more fasteners.

I see lots of how tos on serpentine belt replacement, that's not a issue as I have done a few on the 70 series. My question is how to remove the actual idler assembly.

Thank you in advance for your responses!

Post by **kahl** » 03 Feb 2016, 06:35

There are two bolts hold the serpentine tensioner to the block. Once the tensioner is removed the pulley is held on by a torex bolt. I had to use an impact driver (hammer type) to loosen the torex bolt to change pulley.

Post by **cn90** » 03 Feb 2016, 08:07

Very simple, whenever you run into problem like this, go on the internet, find the appropriate photo of the part concerned.
The part photo will show the holes for the bolts.
This will help you locate the bolt areas.

Post by **misha** » 03 Feb 2016, 08:20

When you remove the tensioner,undo torx bolt which holds idler roller to reveal bearing seals.
Pry them off carefully and squeeze a bunch of grease in it.Do that on both sides.Re-install seals and you're done.
This works ONLY if bearing didn't developed any play .After that,it will last like new one would.

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 03 Feb 2016, 08:26

Thanks, Misha.

I can't get the pulley till tomorrow any way, so I will try to take if off and try it.

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 03 Feb 2016, 08:55

So is there an idler and a tension pulley on the V70 or is there only a tension pulley?

Post by **JRL** » 03 Feb 2016, 09:03

PeteB · Post by **PeteB** » 03 Mar 2016, 15:32

We are also getting a squeal with our 1996 850, and we will grease the tensioner bearing,
but what about the idler can those bearings be oiled also?
Is grease really the right thing giving the high RPM?

Post by **misha** » 03 Mar 2016, 16:01

Feel free to use grease.
In previous post i was talking about re-greasing tensioner roller,not plastic idler roller.
Just soak the bearing with grease on both sides,carefully re-seal it and that's it.
The most important thing about bearings is not to get dry.
There are also a dry bearings but that's a different story.

PeteB · Post by **PeteB** » 03 Mar 2016, 16:19

Can the idler also be greased and is it a ball bearing?
Thanks for the help.