e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

For months I have had an annoying squeak when the AC is on (all the time since I am in Arizona)

I narrowed it down to the tensioner but cannot get at the damn thing. I have searched and searched for a tool that is thin enough to get in there for step one (getting the belt off) but can't find anything.

I searched the site repeatedly but as search leaves quite a bit to be desired am creating this thread.

First I need to know where to get the tool to get the belt off, (I found a thread that said NAPA and went to NAPA with no luck) I have found threads that said use a 14mm box wrench on a pipe and tried but can't get the darn thing to stay on the nut long enough to get tension on it to move it.

I have spent way too much time but at this point it's become a matter of pride and I just don't want to take it to my shop until I have tried everything.

Once I have the belt off how do I get at the bolts that are holding the tensioner on?

zeta

iTrader: (1)

I used one of these a friend of mine had and it worked great:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...pecialty+Tools

Autozone has a cheap one you can rent; however, it is not as good as the one above.

You got to get under the car. There are three bolts, all can be removed with a swivel head socket. I think they were 6mm, but not sure. You will probably need to remove/disconnect that vinyl splash gaurd, the one with the hole that allows access to the crank bolt. When you get the autotensioner removed, check the pulley also, sometimes they wear and cause noise.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

Thanks, the fourth Kragen was the charm, got a tool similar to the one you posted.

Now I can hopefully get at the bolts holding the tensioner, it has to wait until tomorrow I just spent an hour cleaning my pool filters and feel like I am about to burst into flames.

Swim time.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

I miss the pool.

I use a flare wrench. It looks like these:

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

I finally found the tool similar to the one posted. I could not get anything shorter on the nut.

After I get the belt off will I encounter any trouble getting at the tensioner mounting bolts?

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

Fu*king thing is done, if I had it to do over I would have paid someone to do it.

A few fyi's

The bolt on top that looks like it is for the tensioner NOT it is for the dipstick. LEAVE IT ALONE. it is a major pain to get back in.

You need a 1/4 inch 9mm (SMALL) for a hidden bolt in the center of the tensioner body that is recessed and inaccessible otherwise.

I have rebuilt engines with less drama & frustration.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

Haha, I know your pain. I had to replace the mount bracket on the motor. You have to remove all three timing belt covers. Anything on that side of the motor is a PITA to work on.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR the noise is back. Anyone have experience with this? All I can assume is the UR pulleys and belt are doing something.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

You may want to try and change the serpentine drive belt. Even if it looks OK, it may be, in some bizzaro way, the root of your squeak.

The reason I say this is because, shortly after I had my blower installed I noticed a chirping sound on the belt side of the engine. It was not that bad; however, it got on my nerves. I replaced the auto tensioner thinking it was a worn pulley, no luck. Then I thought it might be the altenator shaft, being under tension from the blower belt, wearing abnormally.;dunno: Spent the money on a new altenator($300+), no luck. The next thing I did fixed the chirp. I purchased a new gatorback S/C belt and installed it, fixed. To say the least, it was an expensive lesson.

Now when I have a problem to solve, I start with the least expensive and proceed up the list of possible solutions cautiously.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (6)

I have a new belt, I bought two of each when I replaced the pulleys.

I'll try that.


Thanks!