How VW Serpentine Belt Tensioners Fail

For full show notes visit the blog at; goo.gl/62QWnY
Next up in our Failed VW Parts series we are looking at the serpentine belt tensioner. We are not looking at the failure of one specific serpentine belt tensioner. This applies to all belt tensioners, even on non-VW cars. This type of failure can be anything from somewhat annoying to leaving you stranded, and even cause catastrophic engine damage.
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Join me as we dive into and chat about:
Do these videos mean VW is not a good car?
What is a VW Serpentine Belt Tensioner?
What is a Serpentine Belt?
How do VW Serpentine Belt Tensioner work
How do VW Serpentine Belt Tensioner fail?
Symptoms of VW Serpentine Belt Tensioner failure
Diagnosing a failed VW Serpentine Belt Tensioner
Is the VW Serpentine Belt Tensioner a DIY?
and more.
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[@elmonyopi1577]

"humblemechanic", my guy.. Keep doin what you do boss for us VW VR6 enthusiasts.. We appreciate 💪🏽

[@Vago_Vagueto]

I have a question Bro... I recently replaced the bracket that holds power steering pump,a.c. compressor and alternator in my AWP 1.8t engine. The thread on the bolts that holds the serpentine belt tensioner were striped so that caused the tensioner to move and eventually the serpentine belt shereded in pieces. I replaced the bracket but after I put everything back together I notice that the tensioner puts so much pressure on the belt causing the belt to touch the belt that passers on the a.c. compressor loop is that formal.. do I have a bad tensioner?

[@joshuautley8415]

Roughly at what mileage should I replace my serpentine belt, belt Tensioner on a 2016 VW Passat 1.8 TSI? I can’t find anything related to replacement in my owners manual.

[@bradleyford1141]

I want to watch all 21 of your videos! I just bought a 2000 vw 2.0 beetle.

[@rebeccalindner2820]

Hi! Thanks for the video! I have a 2013 VW Jetta 2.5L. In January (3 months ago) the drive belt broke which also broke the a/c belt. They replaced 2 pulleys but now it's making a sound as though the tensioner is broken. I can get back to you with more exact info about what they replaced, but is it possible this issue is caused by their negligence? How can I know? Thank you!

[@DavidMoralee]

Great video, thanks. My Audi tt ripped up the belt, then began to overheat. It ran for a couple of minutes, do you imagine it's cooked anything??

[@josephnale3039]

Hi I have 2012 tiguan tsi 118kw and the idler tensioner has threaded it's bolt when I was trying to renew serpentine belt. Any advise on how to remove and replace and what tools I need?

[@activechaos128]

My 2015 crafter is over tightening the belt and pushing it into the idler pully causing the belt to rub together and eventually break. Any suggestions?

[@jacobmacowan6930]

I have a 2007 golf gti and there’s a clicking sound coming from the cambelt/alternator area is this a problem? And if so do you know what’s wrong and how to fix it?

[@LurgsHowToGuides]

VW T28 Transporter 2.0 I've got a Battery light on my dash & Power steering has failed. So it could be this, cheers for the info. I'm guessing your Electric Shaver has also failed !

[@kirkmassa3839]

I have a 2009 2.0TSI CC and the tensioner doesn't have a squared know on the the top for a 16 or 17 mm wrench do you know if there is a certain way to release this tensioner? There is a rounded knob on tope with a hole on the side for the locking key

[@jonathanreal2981]

Hey so I have a mk4 vr6 12v gti i had a squeak on the belt so i replaced the belt and it went away, a few days later it came back, so then i changed the idler pulley and the water pump pulley and the water pump plus the belt again and the noise went away, but now it came back again and I don't know what it is, every time I drive over a puddle the squeak goes away what can it be?

[@carlosflores6708]

Hey I have a 2003 Vw Golf Gti 1.8T Gti and I noticed my main Pulley is shaking a lot once I turn the steering wheel to both sides left and right and it squeaks as well I replaced the pulley and I still have the same problem don’t seem to know what the problem is ...

[@gracemuscat5453]

Hi there, I've got a 1.9 Tdi 9n3 polo and I'm not sure how the tensioner comes off. It looks like it's bolted on with the alternator but I'm not sure. I've got a noise but I did check the pulley on the tensioner and it didn't make any noise and it was smooth when I rolled it. So my last guess is its the alternator pulley. ?? Let me know what you think.

[@itshadesbiatch]

can you make a video on how to replace the alternator on the VW CC? mine went bad and the battery light came on and started to drain my battery pretty quick, also can i use the alternator from a 2010 VW CC on a 2013 VW CC?

[@BIGGLENNGODSSOULJA]

I changed my timing belt then my serpentine belt 5 minuets after starting engine my serpentine belt flew off and car cut off timing belt was fine but serpentine seemed all on track and properly tensioned any advice what might have caused that

[@jhoska87]

Hey i have a 2013 vw cc 2.0T i hear a squeaking noise when i accelerate and turn the car on, i change the tensioner and the belt but it still doing the same thing can you help me out with that.

[@dominicanr32]

I have a mk4 r32. Would a faulty tensioner and or belt cause an alternator to not output the correct amount of voltage? I just replaced the alternator and when I turn the air conditioner on, the voltage drops from 13.9 to a little over 12 volts. I replaced the original alternator thinking it was going bad but still getting the same issue. Any ideas?

[@alfredo1956]

Hi I just want to ask a ? I have a VW Jetta gli 07 manual and my serpentine belt broke after I replace a bad AC compressor. Then I replace the belt but now the car doesn't start pls help

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Alright humble I really need your help! My serpentine belt popped on my 07 gti but not all the way off the car so I cut off the the rest of the belt then inspected for broken pieces and there was none so I replaced the belt but now the car won't turn over and I can't figure out why!!! Can you please help me figure this out!?

[@martinward4817]

Is there a part number for just the tensioner pulley on the 2.8L 12V VR6? Seems like I can only buy the whole assembly.

[@Hedgehodge-]

Are they serviceable? I bought a billet pulley which shows to repack the grease on it but does that make my tensioner like new again or should I buy a new tensioner with the billet pulley ? Thanks

[@chrism5589]

I would love to see a video on fuel related issue. Currently have the craziest problem i cant find AHH! car stalling on warm starts and after pumping gas rpms are dropping then stalling. Any ideas? low pressure fuel pump failure maybe? ? So troubling. If i give it throttle to save it from stalling it will idle fine. So many misfires. coils/plugs and pcv all fine. Awesome videos thanks! 2011 gti

[@SikConVicTioN]

My mk6 jetta has 2.5L with the power steering pump there. Is this a diy on this engine? Looks really tricky getting in there

[@leewalerzak]

Great video.. is it normal for the belt tensioner to have a bit of a wobble to it when the engine is running

[@MrMathijs87]

Nice video! Also like that you use more pictures of the parts! A video of the (fairly typical) noise it makes would be even better! Keep it up! Greetings from Holland...

[@HumbleMechanic]

Mathijs B Cheers!!!! A sound clip would be good. We have one at the shop now. It is tough to get that to function right, but I will see what I Can do.

[@marksochill]

I bought a used stock 2011 VW CC 2.0t with over 110k miles on it & already replaced a lot of important components and drives fine. Should i consider replacing the tensioner or pulleys ? I already replaced the belt

[@nuahnuahy7136]

I've kentworth T600 Truck . my truck's bottom tensioner pulley smoked and came off due to overheating . can i bypass this tensioner by using 2-3 shorter belt ? angle /line is good with main engine shift pulley and there is idle pulley at at corners . i need to bypass it if possible just to get home . u know over the road service told me to bring u part and install it will coast 600$ but if i get to home i can buy part and do it with only 200$ I'm broken ... any advise pls

[@Venezia1110]

Can you elaborate on the spray lubricant? What kind, where to aim it, use proactively with regular belt change, or only if noisy? I'd have guessed the forces on those bearings would need high-temp, thick grease & I'd worry a spray might degrade original grease? Is that not a problem because spray won't get to sealed bearings - just trying to hit spots where spring is creaking against housing...?

[@wheelmanwheel4389]

Hi Humblemechanic, Could you tell me tightening torque of the two torx screws for the v-belt tensioner? I have a MK7 Gti Petformance from july 2013. Thanks in advance Wheelman ;)

[@stefans7281]

anyone know if I can swap the tensioner with a new one without adjusting anything, do they come pre-adjusted or can I take out the old one and simply put in a new one??

[@djreub247]

You my be able to help me out: I have a 2ltd engine turbo high mileage audi A4 2008 model. My steering vibrate heavily when I m not on the accelerator. I doesn't vibrate when I m accelerating ie during normal driving but does when eg parking and not on the gas pedal.

[@hannesolckers4185]

Quick Question. I have 2005 Polo 1.9 with a ADY Engine. The Roller on Tensioner doesn't fail. nor my Serpentine Belt . BUt the Tensioner it self splits in 2. its the 3rd one in 6 Months. different Suppliers and Makes. what can cause this Problem. dont get any warning or Noise.

[@gregoryvschmidt]

So my 2001 vw eurovan serpentine started chirping/ squealing after the shop put a new clutch in the a/c. Returned later and they said it’s the tensioner but NOBODY anywhere has the tensioner for that vehicle. Assuming it is the tensioner, what options are available besides waiting for catastrophic failure?

[@user-ry4mv4no2e]

Is it recommended to change tensioners when changing worn belts on 2.5 Jetta?

[@KashifKhan-zo9ue]

Hi just a question that i have B7 2021 Passat and i hear pulley noise inside the car but not in bonnet. Can you confirm what pulley it could be and when i turn AC on the noise either hide or gone.

[@alan_ruby86]

good stuff man, thanks for sharing your good knowledge

[@Verschlimmbesserung]

I had the timing belt replaced but on my A4 B5 but ignored the already deteriorating ribbed belt. After assembly I took it out for a test drive and lo and behold the ribbed belt snapped, got wond up by the crank pully taking a few electrical cables with it and mangling them completely. It had also affected the timing belt as well. Now I took it apart again and am starting all over. Point is never do a half-assed job.

[@HumbleBearcat]

My 2010 Golf's cooling fan sometimes would turn on even though the temperature has gone down making a a lot of noise. I don't remember it does that when new; is this a problem? What is the fix?

[@fabeezie5438]

I have a 2014 Passat TDI SEL. Screeches when I accelerate between 2k - 3k RPM. But doesn’t screech on startup/shutdown, or turning the wheels. Any idea?

[@marymedley9628]

I have a 2010 Jetta 2.5l that needs a new tensioning Roller for a ribbed belt for the AC Compressor. Do I have to replace the whole assembly or can I just replace the roller

[@deedoubleu7339]

I have an 2016 a6 3.0t . My belt and tensioner literally broke while I was driving. I didn’t hear the noise until my engine mounts went bad and caused excessive vibration throughout my entire car. Excessive vibration from the busted engine mounts can also cause this.

[@DrAppleCrispies]

So my tentioner moves alot and I can hear a clunking noise after it warms up and it does go faster with rpm. It doesn't move or clunk when cold and in park only after driving and or warmed up. I guess I'm unsure if this is a tentioner issue or alternator issue. I do get 14 volts constant

[@davidbigelow9549]

Do you know where I can get a service manual similar to a Chilton or Haynes? Having trouble finding info on my 2014 Q5 3.0 tdi for maintenance and repairs. Thanks

[@abdulbeany1894]

Hi my tensioner is wobbling slightly it wobbles more when i put lights heaters blowers a/c etc on can this cause engine vibration too feel it in seats thanks

[@jeanwagnac4293]

How to remove and install an alternator on a vw beetle 1.8 turbo

[@abashiyaaddo2982]

I’ve changed my 2.5L belt about 7 times and have changed all the rollers also but keep loosing belts what do I do?

[@CoolHeadbangDude]

Hi, I own a 94 golf GT Special. It's a 1.8 8v with 295.000kms. I've had to replace a lot of parts since I daily drive it 10.000kms a year, but the engine seems to be running along nicely. Only replaced valve tappets. Now I recognise a lot of what you mentioned but someone warned me that there's play on my crankshaft. I've found a few metal splinters on my oil pin and since the crankshaft drives the belt, I'm concerned it's not my belt tensioner but my crankshaft crapping out? When I take the cover off of the belt, I notice that the belt is sitting over the edge of the camshaft pulley by like 1/3rd of the width of the belt. Also the belt has been replaced twice in 30000kms and seems to wear out super quick. It squeals an awful lot and turning on heating etc makes it worse before it disappears. When idling it sounds a bit rough like there's some wear and tear somewhere along the belt and pulleys. When I pull the belt back and forth I hear a metal clacking noise, similar to a torque wrench locking. That's all I know so far. I'm shy to start diy'ing myself since I lack the tools nor the space and it's my daily so I'd rather pinpoint the problem/s and let a good independent mechanic fix it. Also if it means my engine is dead and a swap is the best option, that's gonna top €7000+ already spent maintaining a €950 car that has more issues. I mean i love the thing but it's getting tough.

[@ivinio007]

So how do you replace one on a 2.0L tsi?

[@glennr9913]

How often should a serpentine belt and tensioner be replaced on a 2.0 ? I have a 2018 Tiguan with 70,000 miles and figure I should change the belt, but can't find VW's recommended mileage for it.

[@zzzysr]

I installed a new oem serp tensioner on a 1.8t and the belt is not aligned with the pulley. I even remembered to put the black bracket between the bolt and tensioner. I can't figure out how to align it. I'm going nuts. Help! 🤯

[@steveandrew8330]

another symptom that's very common that isn't mentioned in videos is the assembly shaking.

[@AltruisticWarrior]

On a 2.0 NA it can also be an alternator that can cause shaking. In my case my car had 200k. The belt was shaking rather violently. Replaced the alternator and it got better but still persisted. Changed the tensioner and now it's great.

[@The3lloba]

Great video as usual Charles. I was wondering if a belt is partially shredded without any squealing, does that mean the tensioner is on its way out?

[@AltruisticWarrior]

Lol I know your comment was from 2 years ago but... it's more likely you have a failed pulley somewhere in the assembly.

[@dereklkennedy5552]

I know this is a old video but I have 2006 vw jetta 1.9 tdi brm motor and my Tensioner, go and shred my belt I got a new tensioner and belt put on reprime the system but I got crank but no start

[@ichi_vr]

I have a 2.0l tdi common rail engine code CRLB I am starting to have some weird noises from the car and strange idle can I send u a video clip somewhere bc I don't want to get ripped off by a dealer

[@davidfelsch9701]

Need help on T5.Has ripped off belt tensioner 4 times.Has new alt.has new A/C comp.Has new tensioner. Has new belt. Has had crank and power steer pullies cleaned.Still throws belt.Has done it a idle,has done it on start up. has done it at 60 kph.

[@abigailreye5600]

Long time watcher maybe can help me 2012 vw eos 2.0 tsi turbo. The low oil pressure light flashed and then car turned it self off and white smoke out exhaust. Mechanic said new motor. Maybe you can help didn't overheat and has codes p025c and p0301 thanks love the shows

[@TheRuesebou]

I own a VW GOL wish is a Brazilian model (I don't know if you ever hear about it in America), when I m driving it I can hear knocking sound coming out of what is under the hood (not exactly the engine) however by riding more often I noticed that the noise was getting louder. One day by getting back from work, I decided to check the engine and the tensioner of the serpentine belt just split up so the belt got held loose. So I would like to know; can I keep running my car prior replacing the tensioner. Thank you.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+zakariae Snoussi You really need to get that replaced. A broken serp belt and be bad news, and leave you stranded.

[@nathandoehring6019]

Speaking of noises, I'm changing the cam chain tensioner this weekend on my 01 Jetta 1.8T. When putting the new tensioner on, the videos I've seen, they put RTV going out from either side of the half moon seal under the tensioner. Is there anywhere else it needs to go? I saw one guy put it along the convex side of the half moon seal as well. Would love your expert advice to help avoid some unwanted leaks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Nathan Doehring I just put a little in the moon, and on the corners of the valve cover gasket. You don't need a ton.

[@nathandoehring6019]

HumbleMechanic Thanks for the response! I'll try not to make a mess of it :D

[@cholokrazy312]

hey! I have 2012 vw cc . do I need to remove the motor mounts to take out the tensioner?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I am pretty sure you do.

[@mindofmyown333]

Hey Charles, we have a 2.5 2006 Jetta with the electromechanical steering. Today the power steering warning light came on and it was orange. Is there any chance that a bad serpentine belt tensioner could cause this? Thanks for your videos! They have helped us out a lot!

[@HumbleMechanic]

The only way that could happen is due to low voltage caused by the alternator turning fast enough. really need to get the faults checked.

[@chrismorales9254]

Don’t mind dropping some money for a hood pulley and serpentine belt, any suggestions as to what makes one better than the other? What should I be looking for? Thanks man your videos are so helpful!

[@elitedire4k]

This would help me too, suppose to be getting a 2014 1.4L with 71k miles approx. Still in good shape and low milage, but would like to get the parts set down in advance. Also, what pistons can be used on this said engine.

[@geoffoneill3763]

Recommended interval to replace? 47k miles in 1.8 litre Passat. Was going to put a new belt on.

[@matthewr782]

Hey i have a 2011 vw jetta 2.5 and im almost to 40,000. I am very mechanically inclined and can do most of the service but im still kinda confused on the dsg filter and fluid change how much does the dealer normally charge? And if i was to do it myself can i do it if i do it on completely cooled motor or does it have to be at a temp cause i dont have vcds. Thanks

[@HumbleMechanic]

if you have a 2.5 you don't have a DSG. You can do it with out VCDS. just measure what you take out and put back the same amount. the proper way IS to measure temp.

[@gumaroalvarado2214]

Hi would u make a video on how to replace a belt tensioner on 08 Jetta 2.0t cuz this cars came with a factory tensioner that can't be eemoved just by removing belt and a bolt that holds it to the block,mine looks like i gotta remove alternator or ac compressor just to get to some bolt that are hidden behind it,please help thanks.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I did one on my Tiguan. It should be almost the same for your Jetta

[@downeasttactical1209]

If the pulley tensioner break while driving is there risk of blowing the motor? It's a 2.5l 5cyl 2007 Wolfsburg ed jetta..

[@jeevanreddy1335]

lol no, it will just damage the cooling fan. if it mad enough, it could damage the radiator too

[@andrewbrown1463]

Replaced alternator on Rabbit 2.5. Installed new belts (x2) and replaced two pulleys which had nicks and digs. Tensioners themselves felt fine so I reinstalled them. Car has never run better!

[@greggeis918]

I’m pulling the water pump on my Jetta so I’ll have the engine up. I’ll be replacing belts. Should I just check the pulleys and tensioners or any that should just be replaced while it’s out? I have an 06 2.5L 130k mi.

[@HumbleMechanic]

yes check all the pulleys. Everything else is pretty solid. Those pulley's like to leak all the grease out

[@seanlynch8339]

Wow Humble, You were pretty young 9 years ago! I guess KZbin ages you... Well, just had this happen on my wife's 2009 EOS (best car ever). Thankfully we have a good mechanic who reads the service bulletins and realized that the tensioner usually goes because something else causes it. In this case it was the clutch on the alternator (Yeah, VW has a complex alternator $$$). Thankfully everything is good now. Now we just have to deal with the DSG mechatronic 'thunk' in 1st gear when the transmission gets really hot. (That one's still not bad enough for a full rebuild) Thanks for the VW videos!

[@HumbleMechanic]

well if I wasn't getting older, id be dead. HA

[@UK_Jay_]

I need your help please... Just replaced the belt tensioner on my aunt's 2012 vw jetta TDI after it had catastrophic failure, installed a exact replacement and the tensioner still makes a chirping noise at low rpm and bounces/shakes from side to side... I double checked installation, everything looks normal, also looked at the alternator pully before I put the OLD belt back on and it has zero movement/noise in any direction and seems to be tracking correctly. The old belt looks good, could it be still causing this issue? Your help would be most appreciated, thanks ahead of time.

[@jahryljacobs828]

Same issue did you ever figure out what it was

[@allisonstarwilson7968]

Id like to know too please

[@tiffanypluard2915]

my passat have gone though almost 4 belt in 2 years it is shredding them not getting any noise and dont see any vibration from a bent pulley any ideas

[@HumbleMechanic]

DAMN! What year/engine Passat is it?

[@rehlek]

HEYO! question for you me amigo, i work at a hyundai dealership and my boss brings in random cars from his friends. i was wondering for a 2001 v6 passat 4motion, for timing belt removal/replacement do you have to remove the entire front clip? (front bumper, condener, radiator) also are special tools required? HumbleMechanic

[@HumbleMechanic]

rehlek No, you put it in service position. So the bumper comes off, and you unbolt the core support and pull ir forward. You will need a crank and cam lock to replace that timing belt. Leave the rad and condensor on the car.

[@rehlek]

alright i assumed as much, thanks for the advice!

[@yukichan3971]

@HumbleMechanic I have a MK6, and when I have the A/C on and accelerate, it makes a sound like a belt is squeaking for a second...but happens every time I accelerate with the A/C on. When the A/C is off, it doesn't happen. I was thinking it was the Tensioner, but not sure since it's only when the A/C is on. Any ideas??

[@dannyg2409]

Did u figure it out?

[@yukichan3971]

@@dannyg2409 Yes, it was the alternator pulley...thought it was the belt, then the A/C pulley, but finally figured it out.

[@dannyg2409]

@@yukichan3971 ouhh okay thank you

[@konteezy203]

do you know why there some slipping when driving after having alternator replaced?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Kontour Keitt maybe the belt or the pulley was not replaced

[@abigailreye5600]

Vw eos 2012 low pressure light on car shut off and have smoke out exhaust. Internal engine noise now and codes p025c and p0301

[@knubbzsmurf8319]

i have a 2003 Audi TT coupe 1.8t i am triin to change jus the pulley on the tensioner...can u help me?

[@crudnick]

Can not just get pulley have to change entire assembly

[@dgliber]

I had my timing belt replaced along with my serpentine belt, 5 days later, the tensioner came off. I'm trying to understand if it was possible to oversee the problem as a mechanic... or if it was a bad installation...

[@dgliber]

To possibly clarify: the tensioner bolt in the middle of the piece ( the 17mm) was detected.

[@arniereyes4426]

Do you need an alignment if you replace the wheel bearing to 2017 vw tiguan ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Probably not need. But not a bad idea. Most recommend an alignment once a year

[@ABeastlybigtoe]

i have a jetta 09 2.5L and the belt tensioner or atleast the plastic part around the metal completely melted and fell off any thoughts on why that would happen. Thank you

[@HumbleMechanic]

The bearing probably failed

[@ABeastlybigtoe]

@@HumbleMechanic thank you, you were right bearing failed replaced the tensioner last night and were back in business. Thank you!

[@zdfsbnsdfn]

Yes they can be hard as hell to put on but it's super simple.. !

[@babyloui509]

It's would be also awesome if you can make a list of the tools you might need in order to do this job just a tip for your videos

[@dustingaldeano]

I have a 07 passat b6 3.6 and it has a 64 and a 63.50 for belt sizes. Does it matter which I get? Why different sizes?

[@JodBronson]

If your original Belt is aok... Best is to bring the same Belt to the Store and replace it with the SAME one. Or if you know or if you can measure it, then get the SAME one. Loose Belt can cause many issues :///

[@thatrupride]

So my serpentine belt doesn't turn at all it has tension and the belt is still on their in one piece any ideas on what it could be ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Look at the pulley that drives the belt, is that turning?

[@juanquinones2597]

Hey great info. Thanks. Question. I got a mk4 gti 1.8t. Serpentine belt doesn't align correctly on tensioner. Any help would be greatly appreciated.✌

[@tylerbeard4092]

If someone replaced the alternator, it’s common to put the bracket on backwards and then the belt won’t line up right and the belt falls off.

[@juanquinones2597]

Hey thanks for the reply. Found out that of the 3 bolts that hold it to engine, bottom bolt needs a washer to make it even with the other two . 😃👍👍

[@tylerbeard4092]

@@juanquinones2597 glad you got it fixed!

[@maxchu6396]

What if i just changed my belt for 1000 km, and now i want to change the tensioner. Do I need to replace the belt at the same time?

[@thediligentgamer8366]

no you do not

[@jameskujawski6651]

2013 GTI w/120k miles, mostly highway. Does replacing the serpentine belt require that the tensioner gets replaced too? What is the typical service life of said tensioner if I'm not hearing noises from that area? Danke!

[@random13627]

carbon cleaning, pvc, spark plugs, ignition coils, basic maintenance

[@random13627]

pcv*

[@whitt87]

Often the alternator pulley will seize causing the tensioner to fail from the extra load. If tensioner fails also check alternator pulley at same time.

[@eman0828]

My 06 Camry makes that rattle sound only when something is turned on like the AC compressor or the radiator fans kicks in. But it's much worse with the AC compressor on. Def suspect to be the belt tensioner.

[@autumncox5980]

What would cause an the belt to slip and move over towards the motor on 01 Jetta vr6. It takes part of the belt off all the way around then it runs fine for awhile but you can see on the used belt that it is slipping on the pulleys.

[@HumbleMechanic]

could be a number of things. Wrong belt will do that, a slipping or failing component on the circuit will do that. Also an improperly installed part will do that.

[@autumncox5980]

HumbleMechanic I have the right belt. Double checked with the parts store. while doing some research on this it I think it might be that the pulleys are not allied. We just did a motor swap (ourselves) and I was having this issue before. It says on there we might need a special tool. Is that the case? I want to try the repairs that don't involve buying more parts. www.cartechbooks.com/techtips/serpbelt/ Thank you for answering my questions. We've put a lot of time and money into my Jetta and I refuse to get rid of her.

[@roymorris3612]

Could you do a video on replacing the 2.5 tenisor pulley on a 2008 vw jetta

[@HumbleMechanic]

I need to get a 2.5 for some videos

[@j.m.s.5310]

RPM loss with heater and a/c?

[@kalebbills5082]

Honestly tearing into my 2012 TDI SportWagen to pull mine for making lot of noise and slap thought it was my hpfp or my dmf lol driving me insane

[@mattk02]

OK, replacing a B6 CCTA belt tensioner is not the easiest job. It's secured by one "hard to access" screw behind the tensioner, but removing the alternator (or shifting it a little) gives you access to the screw. Now when you try to pull the tensioner out, it's blocked by the frame. I don't see any way to pull it out without lowering the engine a bit. 😢

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s the easiest way to do it

[@mikewills2121]

I need you to work on my Jetta 2.5

[@brian.farinas]

I just got a brand new 2017 GTI S and the serpentine belt tensioner made a chirping noise at the first start of the day for a couple min and went away when warm. I took it to the dealership and they replaced the belt, tensioner and bolts and said they fixed the problem, but when I started the car the following day the noise was still there, but only lasted for a couple seconds and went away when warm. Is this normal for a brand new belt tensioner?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Brian Farinas not normal based on the way you described it. But without hearing it I can't be 100% sure

[@brian.farinas]

I can email you a video of it, if you don't mind.

[@jahryljacobs828]

Did you ever find out the issue I have same problem ?

[@AirkooledKustoms]

you coming up to Chattanooga this weekend for BaP?if so Spook would like to meet you and he will be there sun , but the crew will be there all weekend

[@brandongarcia4047]

Tensioner on 2004 mustang gt scratches my motor does that mean my tensioner is bad

[@HumbleMechanic]

Very possible that it’s toast

[@kenabi]

mine literally detonated (retaining ring holding it together) while i was trying to change my alternator yesterday. looked to be the original factory part. change those with your belts, yo.

[@tjmone74]

My tensioner "bounces" when the engine is running. Is this normal? Audi B8 2.0TFSI. Thanks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Some movement is normal.

[@tjmone74]

@@HumbleMechanic Thanks!

[@jamesrichmond1746]

What causes a power steering to make a noise and you've replaced the pump with a new one