[mangos86q]

Hello! While I was searching the engine bay I noticed the weird movement of the tensioner. Is this normal?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by mangos86q

Hello! While I was searching the engine bay I noticed the weird movement of the tensioner. Is this normal?

From my understanding, yes. The tensioner's job is to keep a specified amount of pressure on the belt. In the old days we had to tighten the belt (usually with the alternator pulley) with about 1/2" play at the belt's longest run. The belt would show visible fluctuation with the engine running. The tensioner "system" (and subsequent serpentine belt) is better at maintaining the correct tension on the belt so as no not destroy the bearings on the engine accessories. What you're seeing is the belt natural fluctuation transferred to the tensioner.

[mangos86q]

Thank you

[Trainwreck914]

Yeah. Mine does that too. Put a new oem tensioner and it still does it.

[OnlyGerman]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck914

Yeah. Mine does that too. Put a new oem tensioner and it still does it.

Same. Mine was making noise so I replaced it and the belt but new one still moves like that. No more noise! These should be replaced around 70k as cheap preventative maintenance

[mangos86q]

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

Same. Mine was making noise so I replaced it and the belt but new one still moves like that. No more noise! These should be replaced around 70k as cheap preventative maintenance

Mine appears original with 77k currently. I’ll be changing the tensioner and transmission fluid soon. I’m considering the water pump and thermostat as well but hate throwing money away prematurely.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

Same. Mine was making noise so I replaced it and the belt but new one still moves like that. No more noise! These should be replaced around 70k as cheap preventative maintenance

Have 86K+ miles on our 2012 with original tensioner.