Serpentine belt and pulley's

abporsche1 · 10-27-2016, 03:13 PM

2002 C4S owned for 14 months, came with all records from 2005 w/23k miles. Has had IMS update. The upper serpentine belt pulley failed. No pulley's or tensioner replacement shown in records. I'm considering replacing the 2 idler and tension pulley, and the tensioner. Does the tensioner get weak over time? Is there a higher failier rate one over another? Is it necessary to do all? Are they all relatively easy to do? Any special tools? Did I ask too many damn questions? (o:

Barry

OldSharp997 · 10-27-2016, 05:49 PM

Hey Barry - certainly not too many questions

I haven't had a failure on mine yet but I've read that the weakness sets in over time - which is reasonable for any material that can fatigue. I've also read that there's pulley kit that's available - it might be worth looking into.

LanceGT4 · LanceGT4's Garage

Hi Barry
I replaced all 3 on my 99 C4 at 143404 miles when I did a belt replacement (1st @ 78K because no records) and found some noise and play in the upper idler. I didn't see anything on tensioner issues when I researched it then.
The new ones from Pelican are plastic and at 164000+ they seem to be OK. These seem to be lighter but I would prefer metal. Especially considering what they cost.
You might want to check your Alternator clutch if it has one. Mine does and its hanging in there.

Wayne's book only has 2 pages on idler replacement, but it does have the torque values. And Gotcha's.

abporsche1 · 10-30-2016, 08:44 AM

Thanks Lance. I researched doing this. It's an easy job but was cost wise to take to my mechanic 2 miles away. I have too much work and home remodeling. Mechanic always does an instection and found minor seal seeps, cracking CV boots, loose intake boot clamps which causes sucking air therefore loss of power. Time for front brakes too.