Tensioner Pulley Question

Hi, all,

I am trying to diagnose a squealing noise that I get whenever the I have switched on the lights, heater, heated mirrors, etc. Normally goes away after driving for 5 or 10 minutes.

I noticed that the middle part of the tensioner pulley can be pushed in independently of the metal outer ring. Only about 1mm or so. Is this normal, or does this indicate that the tensioner pulley might be going?

Thanks
Lee

Sounds like the pulley has gone, another check is to look at it with the engine running with a torch. It should be rigid with no visible wobble

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Does the tensioner look like this?

What part pushes in?  The middle is bolted solid to the engine....

 

I may have said it the wrong way round. I must have been pushing the outer ring part, and I could see it moved in and out a little. I guess the middle part didn't move if it's fixed.

You mean you can rattle the outside track in and out?
Perfectly normal, it is only a single row ball bearing and there will be axial play.

A mm does sound a lot though, but I suspect you are feeling a little play, rather than measuring.

I wouldn't jump to change that idler unless it really has gone, you won't believe how much they are! (You can just press the bearing out if you have a press, but the bearing is expensive enough on it's own)

Squealing just after startup is more likely a belt tension problem, a worn out belt, debris in the pulley grooves or the crank pulley rubber core breaking up.

Is yours late enough to have just one enormous belt threaded round everything, or does it have 2 belts?



 

I don't think I can measure it, but think it must be at least 1mm

I have two belts. I replaced them both about 1 years ago. By putting the belts very tight (tighter than I think they should be), the squealing went away for a short period, but came back pretty quick. I think I was just masking the real problem

That's the power steering tensioner. While it is common for the bearing to go and make odd squeaking noises, it shouldn't be affected by electrical loads.
Another common source of belt issues and squealing is the crank pulley falling apart.

I found someone selling the tensioner pulley and crank pulley together at a reasonable price (along with the 2 belts), so I will try changing both when I get a chance. Hopefully that will resolve it.