'04 Belt Tensioner Install - Parts Question

[robinsone]

Hey, I'm planning on swapping out the tensioner on an '04 N/A GP, I have 189k so I think it's about time. I had a question concerning the parts.

Is there a part for the N/A GP that includes just the tensioner assembly and not the heater hose housing that looks like it comes with it. Just wanted to make the install a bit easier. According to rockauto and their images, it looks as if swapping out the tensioner assembly alone is only possible on the S/C models. Not sure if they are the same, and if you can just do the assembly on the N/A without exchanging the heater house housing at the same time.

Let me know if there are any ideas or experiences out there, thanks!

 

[Scottydoggs]

you can change the pulley on the tensioner, thats it. if the spring arm is worn out, you change the whole alt bracket. its the same for the sc cars too. that other tensioner you see is for the sc belt.

dont forget to buy new coolant elbows for when you replace the alt bracket.

 

[nik12937]

Make sure you also get new o-rings for the hoses that go to the heater core, they aren't the same as the elbow o-rings. On rock auto they're listed as heater core seals from what I remember, it's very misleading.

 

[robinsone]

Ah, good to know, those are the end pipe that are held in by a Phillips screw or small bolt I believe. With the mileage I have now on the tensioner should I just change it? Or Do these typically last longer. Please let me know

 

[Scottydoggs]

if you take a close look at the tensioner, theres marks on it, its a belt good/bad indicator, also if its bouncing around at idle good chance its dead.

as you found out already im sure, they are not all that cheap, so make sure its bad before swapping it. if its just the pulley on it, those are like 20 bucks.

this will tell you if the belt is bad too.