[F80_M3llow]

Hey guys i was wondering i have to replace my tensioner and idle pulley. Im not paying the stealership to get this changed. I like to get my hands dirty. Just need some word of advice and how to replace thease parts on our cars. I dont want to break anything. Thank you ahead for all your help

[Juiced46]

You just need to remove the belt and a few Torx bits to swap it out. Its relatively simple. Its a little tight with the fan depending on what length your Torx bits are, it may be easier for you to remove the fan, which is simple as well to gain access. Other then that its very straight forward. Let me know if you want to come down to my shop in Wallingford, I can take care of it for you.

[F80_M3llow]

Originally Posted by Juiced46

You just need to remove the belt and a few Torx bits to swap it out. Its relatively simple. Its a little tight with the fan depending on what length your Torx bits are, it may be easier for you to remove the fan, which is simple as well to gain access. Other then that its very straight forward. Let me know if you want to come down to my shop in Wallingford, I can take care of it for you.

wow thanks man. I was going to do it myself. But I'm curious how much would u charge to change the belt idle pulley and tensioner if I buy the parts. Thanks just pm me if u want

[bumere90]

is it squeaking? why are you replacing it? people never had any problems with the tensioner nor idler pulley on E9X

[Juiced46]

Originally Posted by bumere90

is it squeaking? why are you replacing it? people never had any problems with the tensioner nor idler pulley on E9X

I wouldnt say never. There are a few common problems over time. The bearing in the pulley can seize up. Pulley squeaks. Have seen on many occassions the tensioner start to bend a little causing the belt to be misaligned. Also have seen the tensioner get weak causing the belt to "snap" while starting causing an annoying rattling noise.

[F80_M3llow]

Originally Posted by bumere90

is it squeaking? why are you replacing it? people never had any problems with the tensioner nor idler pulley on E9X

. I'm getting a noise not sure if it's only the belt. The sound is only on cold start and goes away when the car is warm. Sounds like sht sht sht sht sht. Just need to make sure it's nothing else otherwise wont have to change the pulley nor the tensioner just the belt. I have 73,000 miles on the car belt was never changed.

[bsamoul]

Well I had to replace mine when the bolts holding the tensioner sheared off and the belt was barely being held in by one notch on the belt.

Good thing I happened to notice it.

[F80_M3llow]

Originally Posted by bsamoul

Well I had to replace mine when the bolts holding the tensioner sheared off and the belt was barely being held in by one notch on the belt.

Good thing I happened to notice it.

[F80_M3llow]

anyone know how to remove the tensioner. and idle pulley. im going to change everything belt, tensioner, and idle pulley

[F80_M3llow]

Ok I Found A Great Picture Of The N52 Engine And I Market The Tensioner And Idle Pulley. Can Somone Please Confirm If This Is Correct. Thanks.

SORRY FOR THE HUGE PICTURE

[F80_M3llow]

Bump

[bumere90]

looks right
before removing the belt, draw the diagram
I was lazy and didnt take pictures and spent 20 minutes figuring out how the belt goes on haha
in order to remove the idler pulley, remove the black cover first youll see a bolt that holds it in place
make sure you use torque wrench and proper specs
otherwise you may have a vibration

[F80_M3llow]

Originally Posted by bumere90

looks right
before removing the belt, draw the diagram
I was lazy and didnt take pictures and spent 20 minutes figuring out how the belt goes on haha
in order to remove the idler pulley, remove the black cover first youll see a bolt that holds it in place
make sure you use torque wrench and proper specs
otherwise you may have a vibration

yeah I just drew out how the belt goes. Thanks everyone for the great help I will try and take pictures and write a DIY on this. I'll keep you guys up to date of how it goes.

[JamesM3M5]

The tensioner bolt (Torx head) is a one-time use aluminum bolt, torque to 18 lb-ft then 90 degrees. You must replace it. The deflection pulley on the side of the alternator is just 30 lb-ft torque, no need to replace that bolt. Very easy DIY job. You will also need a T60 torx bit to unload the belt tension.

[F80_M3llow]

Originally Posted by JamesM3M5

The tensioner bolt (Torx head) is a one-time use aluminum bolt, torque to 18 lb-ft then 90 degrees. You must replace it. The deflection pulley on the side of the alternator is just 30 lb-ft torque, no need to replace that bolt. Very easy DIY job. You will also need a T60 torx bit to unload the belt tension.

great thanks so much for the info

[F80_M3llow]

Just an update. The job was successfully for a first time noob. I changed the idle pulley, the tensioner and the serpentine belt. Also I replaced my vanos solenoids just for good measure. All I can say is I got my torque back and the car runs like I just took it off the lot. I want to thank all of you that helped me and if anyone needs pointers since I've done this please let me know.

[queensfield]

Congratulations on job well done. Why did u replace vanos solenoids? Was there a fault that you found? Did u try cleaning them and that was no good?

[B-737]

whoa, nice work fanatic!

[Handsome_Rob]

Mine is squeaking like crazy. I hit it with some wd40 and it stops but only for a second. Hit with some silicone spray and got the same thing. I guess mine is bad as well. Do you have the part numbers minus the vanos solenoids?

[F80_M3llow]

I had some extra money around so I was like why not and just changed them with everything else for good measure. The car runs so much smoother and the torque at low end is back after changing them.

[F80_M3llow]

Originally Posted by Handsome_Rob

Mine is squeaking like crazy. I hit it with some wd40 and it stops but only for a second. Hit with some silicone spray and got the same thing. I guess mine is bad as well. Do you have the part numbers minus the vanos solenoids?

I will get the part numbers for you ASAP. My idle pulley and tensioner where completely shot. I suggest you change it. So easy a caveman can do it.

[Handsome_Rob]

Id appreciate it. Im a shade tree mechanic at best. If you could give me a brief walk thru that would be great too. Ill do both pulleys and the belt as well. THX.