Drive Belt Tensioner: Testing and Inspection

Drive Belt Auto-tensioner Inspection

Special Tools Required

- Belt tension release tool Snap-on YA9317 or equivalent, commercially available
1. Remove the engine compartment covers. Service and Repair

2. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode, and make sure to turn the A/C switch OFF. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.

3. Check the position of the auto-tensioner indicator (A). Start the engine, then check the position again with the engine idling. If the position of the indicator moves or fluctuates a lot, replace the auto-tensioner. Drive Belt Auto-Tensioner Replacement

4. Install the engine compartment covers. Service and Repair

5. Check for abnormal noise from the tensioner pulley. If you hear any abnormal noise, replace the auto-tensioner pulley. Drive Belt Auto-Tensioner Pulley Replacement

6. Remove the drive belt. Service and Repair






7. Move the auto-tensioner within its limit using the belt tension release tool in the direction shown. Check that the tensioner moves smoothly and without any abnormal noise. If the tensioner does not move smoothly, or you hear abnormal noises, replace the auto-tensioner. Drive Belt Auto-Tensioner Replacement

8. Remove the auto-tensioner. Drive Belt Auto-Tensioner Replacement






9. Clamp the auto-tensioner (A) by using a 10 mm bolt (B), a 8 mm bolt (C), and a vise (D) as shown. Do not clamp the auto-tensioner itself.






10. Attach a torque wrench (A) to the pulley bolt. Measure the torque when the tensioner is turned counterclockwise. If the torque is less than the specified value, replace the auto-tensioner. Drive Belt Auto-Tensioner Replacement

Auto-tensioner Spring Torque
32.8 N-m (3.34 kgf-m, 24.2 lbf-ft)

11. Install the auto-tensioner in the reverse order of removal.