98 3.8L Replacing Squeeking Tensioner

Hello,

I am trying to replace a squeeking tensioner on my 98 3.8L. I've got the belt off. That was easy. Now, to replace the drive belt tensioner (#7 pulley from the image below), do I need to loosen the 15mm bolt on it? Or do I need to loosen 18mm bolt which attaches the base?

http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/jpg/small/0900823d801d2c16.jpg

also, is the bolt (15mm or 18mm whichever I need to loosen) reserve? (righty-loosey?)

Thank you all for your help.

x-)

unbolt the base, comes as a whole unit, normal threads as I recall.

unbolt the base, comes as a whole unit, normal threads as I recall.


Thank you very much. I will get to the base unit.

I had not realized, until this posting, how much the "front end" of the 3.8 had been rearranged in '99. The ps pump and the alternator kinda switched places. The ps pump got a remote reservoir.

It is possible to replace just the tensioner-pulley. It's usually the bearing in the pulley that wears out and squeeks. I did it a few weekends back because it was cheaper than the whole assembly. Either way you go requires removing the tensioner assembly. Once off, you can remove the bolt through the pulley and replace it. An impact gun works good on that bolt, otherwise you have to somehow hold the entire assy.

Sorry if my response is too late. -lord kelvin.

It is possible to replace just the tensioner-pulley. It's usually the bearing in the pulley that wears out and squeeks. I did it a few weekends back because it was cheaper than the whole assembly. Either way you go requires removing the tensioner assembly. Once off, you can remove the bolt through the pulley and replace it. An impact gun works good on that bolt, otherwise you have to somehow hold the entire assy.

Sorry if my response is too late. -lord kelvin.


Thanks Lord Kelvin (... Your Majesty ... humbly bowing),

No it is not too late. I have not had time to go get 18mm socket and/or wrench, yet. I don't think I can get 18mm socket and 3/8 driver between the assembly and the wheelwell.

Anyway, thank you for the post. This BBS has been very helpful.

Thank you so much for your help. I just finished the job.

I thought I can just change the wheel of the tensioner assembly, but the whole assembly needed to be replaced.

http://static.flickr.com/42/79473589_48e353ef28.jpg

So I bought the tensioner assembly from O'Reilly for $45.99.

http://static.flickr.com/39/79473593_be3ce39ae9.jpg

I also had to get a 18mm wrench for the job. But now it is installed and no more annoying squeeking sound. My wife says she is no longer emberassed to drive this van.

http://static.flickr.com/36/79473594_1e45522660.jpg

Next week, I need to work on the front suspension.

P.S. the bolt direction was conventional - lefty loosey righty tighty! :wink:

Again, thank you all for your help.

x-)

Thanks for posting the follow-up and pictures.
I am planning to replace mine soon also...
I replaced the idler pulley for bearing noise a few months ago.

Today I replaced the tensioner, idler pulley and belt on my 98 3.8. It had been squeaking for a while and at 92k miles I thought it best to replace all three items.
The easiest way to get the belt off was to place a 15mm wrench on the bolt on the tensioner pulley, pull towards the front of the van, and slip the belt off the alternator pulley with the other hand.

Just wanted to Thank Xamper for the information and Pics. Belt tensioner pulley on the wifes Van (96) sheared off the bearing on the way home. Im Mech inclined and all, but the Nuances of different engines scares me at times. It was nice of Ford to leave such ample working room for the tensioner. . .NOT.

I didnt have time to replace everything, just needed to get the pulley replaced.

removed the 15mm bolt holding the pulley just to find there isnt enough room to get it out. used a pipe wrench to pull tensioner forward and above the wheel well and used my third and forth hand to get the bolt out.

then i discovered this place, Loosened the 18mm bolt which must have been put on by the golly green giant, swung the tensioner forward WITHOUT the spring fighting me, and all was well. I will go back and replace the tensioner, as it looks about as pictured above, but the wife can leave me alone for now :)

Also, I used a pipe wrench to bring tensioner forward to put on the serpentine.

Thanks All

My wife says she is no longer embarassed to drive this van.

You must not have the bright red model. My wife is always embarrased to drive this van!

Thanks for the detailed info on this fix, guys! I'm getting ready to tackle it.