How To Replace Tensioner Pulley on 1996-2002 Chevy GMC Truck & SUV

[@cmat36]

Thanks. My alternator went out this morning and I had no idea how to remove the belt until I watched this. Replacing the alternator was just as easy as the tensioner.

[@ChrissOHV]

Thanks man! Very helpful. Just got done with it after the dealer quoted me $689 dollar for this $50 bucks and 15 min job ✌️😎

[@cbxandy9441]

Nice job with this video. Thanks for sharing. A few months ago my 1994 G30 1 ton van with 454ci big block shredded the serpentine belt after the tensioner began to squeal. Of course the shredded belt forced me to coast to a stop without PS, water pump, alternator or AC. Luckily 20 years ago I replaced that belt and still had the original 26 year old belt as a spare to reinstall for the 30mi drive home. But OMG, you haven't lived until you try to install that belt on a van with a 454ci rat motor wedged under the hood while laying on your back. Luckily I made it home, ordered a new heavy duty green AC Delco belt and new tensioner. Shame on me for letting the belt go for 20 years despite the vehicle only having 35,000 miles. Thanks again!

[@MixedGoku]

Absolutely the best video I've seen on this topic keep up the good work

[@geoffreykail9129]

My buddies went out this afternoon. Replacing n the morning. Serpentine bell came completely off hope I can figure out the path or that it's shown on top of the grill.

[@andyunsicker2229]

Thanks! I was stranded and just needed to know how to do that job. I’m sitting here with my feet up waiting for my buddy to bring me the part so I can put it on.

[@marcarpackin2421]

I have a 1996 gmc sierra and I am gonna change the idler and tensioner pulleys.ive had the truck since 2015 and the pulley has just started speaking this year. I wanna say thank for all of your videos . I seen a lot of them and I've got my truck running great. And in part thanks to you man.

[@isaac2451]

When I toke mine off it did not have a washer but the new one I got came with a washer should I install the washer

[@markdoeller758]

I got a diagnosis today from a local mechanic on a bad idler pulley but I want to replace the tensioner while I'm in there and a new belt to boot. Good vid! 👍

[@TheYoungBuck]

I have a 1997 k1500 Silverado and your videos have saved my butt a couple times. I appreciate these big time! Thanks.

[@arizonasnowmama5426]

I have a 1997 C1500, 335,000 miles. Had this replaced a few years ago, getting ready to replace it again... Doing it myself this time. I smell rubber. Thanks for showing me how to do it! I subscribed and hit the notifications bell.

[@seigiornimarchello1609]

1998 Cheyenne 5.7 126k, just noticed mine was worn and found your easy guide on DIY. Thanks 👍

[@kgmstudio4010]

2003 blazer 4.3 vortec same thing easy fix like you said 20 years old its gonna wear out i had more room around my engine so i didnt have to remove my fan cover thank for the video!

[@lazidud21]

I just picked up a 1996 K1500, when replacing the serpentine belt the tensioner just stayed where it was after loosening the tension. Thanks for the video, I didn't think of removing the fan shroud, that really helped out.

[@johnnymoreno9847]

Great video for my 2009 Silverado 1500 v6

[@kinoty1412]

Thanks for this. Excellent visuals, described everything perfectly for the novice, about to replace this plus the upper idler on my 96 Cheyenne.

[@kevinstephens9418]

Not a chevy, but this video helped me replace the tensioner on my 02 Ranger. I just had my power steering go out, my battery light cut on, and my coolant temp shot up all at the same time. Went to check the belt and it was gone. The part that you pointed to and said breaks more often than the bearings had sheared off and the pulley was completely gone as well lol.

[@jasontyler6445]

Great video, I was glad to learn it was that easy of a fix,and FYI my pully come apart driving down the road,split my belt in two.

[@tarstakars]

I just subscribed to your channel because the tensioner pulley in my 99 Yukon, the bearings are bad in it and I was dreading replacing it I had no idea how to do it cuz I rarely work on cars built after 1970 and the thought of paying someone else to do it.... well let's just say that's a tough call for me. I really want to thank you for helping me with this now I know I can do in a few minutes with the tools I have and I'm going to replace that idler pulley at the same time just to be safe.

[@danieljaquier7952]

I have a 96 Blazer with a Vortec engine and my tensioner just went out. I assume the spring failed because when I revved the throttle body I saw it move and there was a sqeal. Thanks for the video I'll tackle this tensioner tomorrow because I did the alternator today and with the air conditioner stuff in the way the rear bolt for the alternator was a royal pain in the ass to get back in.

[@catalinasalazar755]

I have a 96 c1500 . Mine is about to give out, it's slipping off one side but the belt is still ok. Thanks for the video... I'm going to have to replace it before I get stranded. I've only been driving the truck a few months after it sat for 8 years. I subscribed.... going to watch more of these helpful videos thanks!

[@MidwestGarage]

Awesome, thank you! I'm glad I could help! If you have any specific questions on other fixes that I don't have a video on please let me know!

[@jeffstone7912]

My pulley is going out. 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 with 75,500 miles. 4.3V6 . 8 year old Truck. Thanks for the instruction.

[@p-wayne855]

What's up man checked out your video did realize the my tensioner was bad on my 97 GMC sierra 1500 thank man

[@whitecloudrancharizonatim56]

Thank you! Great video, my 1996 K2500 Silverado 4x4 was making some noises, this was the issue! Parking it for a few days and driving the wife’s car to work until I can get to it on Sunday! Again, simple, to the point, great video!

[@g-track5065]

Have you ever had one that made a knocking sound?

[@ramoscoleman4809]

Thank you for the video. I am about to change my serpentine belt as well as the tensioner. I appreciate your attention to detail.😎👍🏾

[@brianbrown600]

Another tip when doing this repair. Spin the idler pulley at the top once the tension is off and the belt loosened or removed. That pulley is often the source of noise from the belt system. Spin it and if it's noisy from a little spin, it's easy to replace it now.

[@mayasevelen]

Got a 99 Tahoe and my pulley is doing a jig! Thanks for this vid!

[@vintagemobilehome2685]

Mine failed in the spring body and had lost tension. Thanks for the tip on moving the shroud

[@sibghatkhan1238]

I have a 2000 Chevy pick up C 25 and your information is very helpful I am very impressed

[@tommyybarra]

97 Chevy c1500 4.3 nice video worked perfect. thank you

[@jennierbillyfrench7689]

Nice work my 99 silverado is sitting on the road right now with the pulley go e and belt thrown off..

[@usmcdoc2512]

Is it normal for it to shake up and down (not front to back) ?

[@comradedennis8202]

mine does that while running i was wondering myself im gonna change it just to be sure

[@johnwilliams7352]

03 gmc. Noticed an occasional squeak under power. Replacing the idler and tensioner now. 165k miles. Will also be tackling the front wheel bearings soon. Developed a little roar. Great vid btw.

[@MidwestGarage]

Thank you for the kind words! I also have a video on replacing these front wheel bearings if you need to check that out!

[@CarlTumey-g5v]

Thank you for this video.... my mom's 2000 blazer was having problems with the lights when she would press the gas at all ... thought it might have been a ground until I seen the tension pully while it was on moving back and forth

[@epmcdonald4562]

Tensioner bouncing is not problem for lights? Belt would have to be gone or not moving, would have other problems overheating,dead battery,p/steering, brakes to name few problems. Best to take to Profesional instead spending money guessing.

[@bennycobos898]

Hey great info my belt came off on the road. No steering and brakes. Not sure why. Looks like a part is missing at top of belt path looks empty. What should it look like

[@mstockton1726]

Definitely going to help with my fixes tomorrow, truck virgin as far as repairs, I have that, and a water pump on a Rainier to do

[@pauljones799]

You just saved me $$$, and if I had seen this video even sooner, I wouldn't of been left stranded in the cold !!! At least I know it is a easy DIY fix now...thank you...I subbed to your channel, and "liked" this video...only because they don't have a "loved it " button lol

[@MidwestGarage]

Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! I am really glad I was able to help you out and save you a little cash. Be sure to check out some other videos, and hopefully I can help you out some more!

[@LIVINGtoDIE630]

My belt came off yesterday i put on a new 1 but I was just told i also need a new tension pully

[@LIVINGtoDIE630]

I have a 2001 gmc Sonoma

[@gadgetprepper8039]

Great video! It gave me the confidence to do it myself. Looks like fun 👍🏿

[@broadwayredd2004]

Thank you bro just watched your video and replaced mine. Easy as you said.

[@hellwithit]

Right on brother! Just noticed a growling noise as I pulled in the driveway!

[@sk_wr]

I have a question, I replaced all pulleys on the drive belt, replaced the belt, and it is still squeaking & making noise. Does an 02 Silverado have the option to tighten the tension on the tensioner pulley or do I possibly have the wrong size belt ?

[@marknorton5569]

What size is the bolt for the back brace for the belt tensioner for my 5.7 chevy

[@elbuitre6940]

Your video is awesome i have a 2000 silverado v6 with 337k miles its loud humming when acelerate i was told it could be this or thhe tensioner on the upper right .. thanks u give me confidence to do it my self

[@ryanroberts0167]

I have a 98 blazer 4.3 and my tensioner pulley twitches real bad. I guess it’s a bad spring like you mentioned. Thanks for the info! 🤝

[@bwagenberg]

What's the torque? Do you have a temp fix when stranded like cut the belt and drive on battery?

[@henrycotton1554]

No - belt pulls water pump

[@mariodelario7492]

Watched your video. I have a 2001 GMC Savana and have decided to do it myself. My kit came in from rock auto. Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. And apparently...yes, it is a common thing amongst Chevy brand with belt squeal.

[@geneparsons9922]

Mine went out last night 2000 blazer 1st one i had to do but I only had the truck a year. So we see how long it’ll last

[@nallo1115]

Esta perfecto...grasias copa....

[@kailyguerra1859]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@marcusdiaz4169]

This video was definitely helpful 💪🏾

[@g-track5065]

Have you ever had one that made a knocking sound?

[@CashgamerVR]

When installing a tension pulley do you have to ajust the tension at all ?

[@CashgamerVR]

Another question my power steering is making a wineding sound do you kno why i read it could be the bearing or could it be the ac pump they are on top of each other and the sound is coming from that general direction

[@AL-kw3cd]

Awesome video, if the tensioner is tight, the pulley was bad and it still squeaks after replacing the pulley, could the tensioner still be bad? Or is the belt stretched?

[@jouseff_1293]

my belt tensioner wobbles quite a bit when its on, is it normal? (its new) belt is a dayco 5060950

[@theaussie7160]

Will it work with a 93 Silverado 1500 383 vortec ....cause in Australia our chevy motors spin the other way.

[@frankarchibald732]

Mines bad. Thats why I'm here🤣 first good looking video. Just wanted to see what tools ill need🤣

[@drewsquickfix]

Good video thanks I have a 1997 Chevy Tahoe sport 2 door 5.7 L Vortec

[@corylewis1639]

I have a 98 GMC Yukon SLT with the 5.7 vortec engine with only 125,000mi...I've noticed my tensioner pulley has a lot of play in it as well. Didn't realize it was that easy to change it.

[@antwon152434]

Huge help! Thank you

[@antwon152434]

I have a 99 Chevy s10 xtreme with 185k miles and i just started noticing the tensioner going out

[@eddieochoa8058]

Thank you partner. Helped me out lots

[@norbertorivera2052]

Great video, thanks so much.

[@carlzywocienski1193]

Very helpful thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@chieftomah7118]

Ty for sharing knowledge and stay safe all

[@EONINJA]

Have 98 suburban k1500 just did a tune up now have to replace the tension pulley always thought it was harder to do

[@jamespowers4584]

Replacing mine later tonight or tomorrow thanks for the info

[@daz4312]

Hmm... Have had my 2001 Silverado 1500 2WD ext cab since 2002. 4.8l vortec. Got 293K miles out of the first engine, never had to replace this pulley/tensioner. Had a used 70K engine dropped in it in 2018. Today, the pulley just completely disintegrated the plastic (PLASTIC!?!?!?) around the bearing area, leaving just the outer grooved ring intact. Like the plastic got soft and melted and spun itself off the machine... Never seen any thing like it. Of course I lost both belts in the process and barely managed to steer it off the freeway... Looking for vids on how to replace it tonite before the parts stores close and yours came up. Your vid has a different engine, but gives me enough info to work with. Thanks for a clear and concise presentation!

[@elizabethflores8946]

Bravo very good teacher congratulation!!

[@elysejenkins5234]

Wow! Nice fix! What could snap a tensioner in half!?

[@traviezo766]

I got a 2000 chevy s10 can I do the same steps?

[@nsiegel69]

Have a 96 gmc suburban. Mine was rattling really bad so thanks to your vid helped me be able to change her out real quick especially since my Chiltons had absolutely nothing in it about it aside from taking the belt off. I'm very picky when I comes to doing new automotive work. I know a lot but not everything lol I did notice that after I started her that the pulley still seems to shift back & forth. Is that normal? I'm wary cuz I've had to over $6000 in parts alone in the past 4 months on her granted now I know all that is being done but I def got screwed on this deal.

[@jason8507]

Is it bad if it bounces a bit?

[@wronik7293]

thank you so much mechanic was charging me 60$ when this is just a simple task to do saved me money gunna try tommrow day off thank you!

[@DavidGurrney7589]

Yes how dare that mechanic try to make money off of you!!! You should be entitled for that work for free!!! As a matter of fact you sould get free food free medical free housing free collage O wait maby you already are!!!

[@Crane_pond_Chronicles]

I have an 03 Chevy venture I just changed the water pump on it and realize my belt was squealing real bad come to find out it was the tensioner but whenever I got the van the guy sent a brand new one with it so guess I'm going to throw it on and see what goes on next

[@dylantrafton3179]

Fixed! But still have a squeal some where, idler maybe? Or pump?

[@MidwestGarage]

I'd definitely check those things. How did your belt look? If it's getting a little old that could definitely be the squeal also. Let me know what you find!

[@dylantrafton3179]

@@MidwestGarage belt was newer looking but I replaced it anyways! Ill let you know what i find! Great videos by the way! I purchased a stethescope to help pin point

[@MidwestGarage]

@@dylantrafton3179 Thanks man, yeah definitely let me know! If that doesn't help or fix it let me know I'll try to help the best I can.

[@justinchaidez645]

My faulty tentioner caused overheating.

[@stephendove7447]

Good stuff...I have a 01. Whining belt or pulling...trying to figure it out

[@broadwayredd2004]

Also I had to subscribe. Thanks again bro

[@INSERTNAMExHERE]

I did this on my 96 K1500 reg cab, short bed. It's a bit difficult for me as I'm 5'3", and had to improvise with sockets and extensions to use as leverage while standing on a few cinderblocks hahah. Though it's pretty easy all around though

[@cotynietling2567]

Just watched video checked as you suggested hlly cow not sure how belt was staying on lol got new one ordered my idler pulley was shot too 1999 C1500 Suburban 220k miles all original parts

[@metallampman]

Does it make any difference about ft/lbs or just good and tight

[@MidwestGarage]

I’m sure there’s a specific torque spec, but honestly I just use my German torque wrench and set it to “goodentight”.

[@metallampman]

@@MidwestGarage ok thx i use 2 loud squeaks and i short one if you know what i mean. bolts seem to have 3 more short movements after they seem tight ..

[@cristianfernandez5649]

My tensioner is bad and my ac went away could that be the reason ?

[@nathanwiggins8578]

Hi great video in got to change the one on my 99 oldsmobile bravada with the belt, other pulley thanks

[@spottheoddity]

I can hear mine I just bought a 98 W/T 1500 the belt's new so I know it's probably mechanical thanks a ton

[@BrianGreen-d6u]

Thank you. Got it done.

[@ericbouwman4409]

Dude! Thanks for the help!

[@abelacho28]

Very helpful thanks! Silverado with 4.3 tensioner went out

[@apocalypse9347]

Excellent video! Thanks brother. Peace and blessings

[@MidwestGarage]

Thanks man, much appreciated!

[@apocalypse9347]

Midwest Garage Your welcome bro! I replaced the tension pulley and belt in about 20 minutes thanks to your video. Saved $$$$. Thanks again! Peace and blessings

[@SpencerKyleMarfurt]

2003 gmc jimmy 230K On my way to pick up a car with a trailer today and the idler pully blew apart. lucklily the belt didnt snap but its about half the width by the time i pulled over OMW to the parts store..

[@Mr105246]

Nice video brother

[@T-REX72]

Here here, 2500 gmc 2002. Plastic pulley locked up and burnt off, the tension Pulley itself seems good but I will replace all of it. $40. I got lucky, it happened as I was pulling into my driveway.

[@michaeld.5128]

Own a 98 & 96 K1500, one is a 5.7 The other is a 5.0. Have had to replace tensioner pulley on BOTH @ 120,000 miles. Should also replace the idler pulley while you have the shroud off.

[@robertaustin1945]

I did this on a 97 tahoe and had a 1/2 inch bolt fastening the tensioner to the engine

[@darwinhudnall1520]

Thanks bro this happened to me yesterday

[@navedukes9592]

Love your video please make more video bout those 5.7 vortec engine thank you

[@MidwestGarage]

Will do, thank you for the comment! I'll be sure to have more videos coming soon about these!

[@susanwoods9996]

Thanks! 1994 gmc sierra bad tensioner.

[@djhotmixes]

Good video!!!

[@eliastorres4294]

Great information I have a 1997 with 350 vortec and have to change it out. Thanks

[@MidwestGarage]

Thanks for the comment, I'm glad I could help!

[@nedwhite2524]

@ 150 K I replaced the tensioner pulley on my GMC JIMMY and now @ 220 K doing it again, so that's not to bad .

[@cesarcruz9869]

How much is that piece cost

[@carlosp9520]

Good Videos thanks i think i have a really bad tenssion pully because its sounds like a bad bealtbut the bealt its new

[@MidwestGarage]

Thanks! Let me know if that ended up being the issue!