2007 Chrysler Town and Country with 3.3 engine, belt tensioner question.

[B.G. Smith]

How/where is the best attack point to replace belt tensioner, top or from bottom? This one has AC and what looks to be an air/smog pump. One of the pulleys is making a squeeling sound at time but as yet is too infrequent to tell which one. Also does anyone have the time alolowed in the flat rate book to do the job? Found a little info on the computer but was on older model which stated that the tensioner bolt had a nut instead of being a blind hole installation? bg

 

[mwilson]

I have done them in the past, trying to remember how much blood was shed in the process. I think I had to work from underneath the van to reach the nut on the backside.

First thing to do is see if the belt has stretched far enough to allow the tensioner to have reached the end of its travel. I have had two stick that way over the years. Had to change one, the other one freed up once I worked it back and forth. Watch the tensioner while engine running with headlights and A/C on , the tensioner arm should be bouncing / bobbing just a little. if it is not moving it has probably frozen in place.

Also, if you get a new belt DOUBLE CHECK it against the old one. Had one instance where the new belt was longer than the one I took off...........had to go get a different brand that time.

 

[mwilson]

P.S> They will squeal off and on if the tensioner arm is frozen because it can't apply enough force to the belt. Been there, have the T-Shirt...

 

[mwilson]

If you are not too flexible you might want to consider removing the intake plenum, not that big a deal and makes things on the rear a hell of a lot easier to deal with for the price of a couple gaskets...do the spark plugs while you are there if they are due...

 

[B.G. Smith]

Thanks Mike, I thought I remembered you having some Town and Countrys. Was going to do a search and look at your profile to be sure but half the time I can't find the search menue buty that's another story. Thanks again, that is what I needed to know. Never thought about the tensioner hanging up. bg

 

[Bob4x4]

I do them from underneath.Remove the belt sheild and you will see the one bolt that holds it.