HELP!!!!auxiliary drive belt tension

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

Hi guys,

I'm in the middle of trying to replace the waterpump and thermostat. Got the thermostat no problem but I'm having trouble trying to slacken of the thensioner. Which way and which bit should I try to be turning?

Looking at the diagram (shamelessly pinched from google) is it number 6 or 8 I should be trying to loosen?

Thanks in advance guys and gals

mick

Datatek · Feb 9, 2014

You don't loosen either, I just put a bar under the top bit and lever it against the spring. Take care because they can break.

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

Thanks for your reply data, this is going to sound really dim but top bit? Is that the small cylinder which connects onto number 6?

mick

Datatek · Feb 9, 2014

The tensioner is a cranked arm with a pivot in the centre, top goes to the spring cylinder, bottom to the belt pulley. You go between the pivot and the spring cylinder.

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

ahhhh I've got you, jut trying to find a way of getting leverage in there, doesn't seem to be anything solid or big enough to to press against

mick

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

right, found this on rangerovers.net:

I've tried penetrating oil an it will not budge, well and truly seized. Could I undo the nut at the top of the spring cylinder or is that a bad idea?

thanks
mick

wammers · Feb 9, 2014

The tensioner seizes on it's pivot. If you have an heat gun try a little heat on it then some Plusgas it may take some time to free off. Don't use a flame Plusgas burns very well. They do get pretty tight. If you get it moving you really need to strip it, clean it up and grease it. But getting the retainer with the 17 mm Allen key hole in undone, can be a bit of a challenge.

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

Thanks wammers. It's well and truly seized, managed to free it enough to get the belt off, that's with me literally standing on it (umpteen health and safety codes broken and neighbours think I'm crazy).
New pump in, tightened up, pulley and belt back on, just need it to stop raining so I can re-tension, put the new thermostat in (more room without the thermostat housing) and then put it back together.

mick

wammers · Feb 9, 2014

P38Penguin said:
Thanks wammers. It's well and truly seized, managed to free it enough to get the belt off, that's with me literally standing on it (umpteen health and safety codes broken and neighbours think I'm crazy).
New pump in, tightened up, pulley and belt back on, just need it to stop raining so I can re-tension, put the new thermostat in (more room without the thermostat housing) and then put it back together.

mick

The tensioner is supposed to be dynamic controlled by the spring tension. Make sure the tensioner moves freely on it's pivot.

Nickpen · Feb 9, 2014

It should tension on its own, thats what the spring is for, it pushes the pulley across tensioning the belt.

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

Thanks guys, got it sorted, it was still very stiff so a few light taps from a hammer and screwdriver and it went back into position.

mick

tomcat59alan · Feb 9, 2014

As previously stated it should be free to pivot. If the belt stretches it may not retension. Strip it down and make sure it is free.

wammers · Feb 9, 2014

P38Penguin said:
Thanks guys, got it sorted, it was still very stiff so a few light taps from a hammer and screwdriver and it went back into position.

mick

Don't think you are listening are you?

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

wammers said:
Don't think you are listening are you?

And how do you come to that conclusion? Not knowing how to dismantle one puts me at an immediate disadvantage, anyway, it was more of a fault finding exercise than anything, now I know the radiator is buggered I can do the tensioner at the same time

mick

wammers · Feb 9, 2014

P38Penguin said:
And how do you come to that conclusion? Not knowing how to dismantle one puts me at an immediate disadvantage, anyway, it was more of a fault finding exercise than anything, now I know the radiator is buggered I can do the tensioner at the same time

mick

Ok but thought i had explained that. Remove the retainer with the 17 mm Allen key rebate in it. That retains the tensioner on it's pivot. Then work the tensioner off it's pivot clean a grease then put back. It must be free to move on it's pivot. What's the point of doing everything else and not doing a proper job on that? New bits below if you need them. And to give some idea about what fits where.

Fan Belt Tensioner Bracket (Genuine) STC4608 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.

Fan Belt Tensioner Mounting Boss STC2126 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.

Fan Belt Tensioner Mounting Cap STC2127 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.

P38Penguin · Feb 9, 2014

Thanks wammers, I don't have any allen keys anywhere near that size, will pick some up when I'm next in Halfords (knowing the p38 that won't be long :hysterically_laughi) you did say that in your earlier post but me being a numpty missed it :doh: sorry.

To be honest, I think it's past the point of saving, noticed a chip in the bracket (where the allen key goes) thanks for the links, will get ordering.

mick

wammers · Feb 9, 2014

P38Penguin said:
Thanks wammers, I don't have any allen keys anywhere near that size, will pick some up when I'm next in Halfords (knowing the p38 that won't be long :hysterically_laughi) you did say that in your earlier post but me being a numpty missed it :doh: sorry.

To be honest, I think it's past the point of saving, noticed a chip in the bracket (where the allen key goes) thanks for the links, will get ordering.

mick

Don't think you will get anything that size at Halfords unless they have 17 mm hex drain plug sockets.

HELP!!!!auxiliary drive belt tension

P38Penguin

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Datatek

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P38Penguin

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Datatek

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P38Penguin

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wammers

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wammers

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wammers

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P38Penguin

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wammers

No longer with us, RIP

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