Belt tensioner bearing issue

[PaulRV6]

I have a stock 86 and the belt tensioner is squeaky. It drives me crazy. Last I new the tensioner pulley is discontinued. Is this true? What are others doing to fix this problem? Thanks

 

[TurboTGuy]

Have you tried a shorter belt? Sometimes that works. The bearing can be replaced, too.

There are after market Billet ones out there, kind of pricey, but the one I have works really well.

I bought it in a group purchase several years ago, so i don't know who sells them, but I've seen several original style ones on Evil Bay. I think Original Parts Group, or something.

In addition, i'm sure someone on here has one stashed away they might be willing to part with.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

AIRC, the tensioner brg is the same as the alternator bearing....

 

[PaulRV6]

Then I would have to press the brg out and press the new one in? Is that a simple job? Thanks

 

[TurboTGuy]

It's not hard to do. If you're unsure, take the tensioner off and take the pulley and the bearing to a mechanic.

 

[KC87]

How to rebuild the idler pulley without 'upgrading' to a POS china unit

Step 1. Remove engine. Step 2. Hang a wrench on the pulley. Remove belt and unscrew the very same bolt. Lefty loosey. Step 3. Get a bearing driver and remove 20 year old bearing. (I like the drivers that can remove bolts as well) Step 4. Using a pair of drivers (that can also remove a...

turbobuick.com

January 6, 2015 reply has the bearing part number at Autozone.

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

Gbody parts has tensioner assemblies & I bought one a few months back(some people have had issues with them, I only use their eBay store & have had none).

Other option is to take the 10ish minutes & do it yourself. Take belt off, take bolt off of pulley, take pulley off, pound out bearing, pound new bearing in, replace pulley & bolt.

I used a Timken 6203-2RS-C3 bearing.

 

[salvageV6]

Even I'm more civilized installing the new one, properly sized socket for the outer race and a big vise to squeeze it in there evenly.
Then again the BFH that you got the old one out with is right there too.

 

[earlbrown]

I have a stock 86 and the belt tensioner is squeaky. It drives me crazy. Last I new the tensioner pulley is discontinued. Is this true? What are others doing to fix this problem? Thanks

Just replace the bearing and keep on truckin'

Here's the same post as above, but with the pictures.

How to rebuild the idler pulley

Step 1. Remove engine. (If you're not Chris Garrett, skip to step two) Step 2. Hang a wrench on the pulley. Remove belt and unscrew the very same bolt. Lefty loosey. Step 3. Get a bearing driver and remove 20 year old bearing. (I like the drivers that can remove bolts as well) Step 4...

www.turbobuicks.com

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Hi Earl!

 

[PaulRV6]

Thanks guys for all your replies. After removing belt found out its the front alternator brg and not the tensioner brg. Does anyone know the P/N for the front alt brg? Is it the same as the rear? Is this easily replaced? Thanks for the help.

 

[Buick Mark]

I replaced mine 30 years ago

 

[X Ray]

Thanks guys for all your replies. After removing belt found out its the front alternator brg and not the tensioner brg. Does anyone know the P/N for the front alt brg? Is it the same as the rear? Is this easily replaced? Thanks for the help.

Not the same as rear. Not bad to do, watch videos on YouTube...I did it.....
But I would rebuild the entire unit while you are at it......regards

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