Can the Serpentine belt tensioner be repaired or does it need to be replaced, the one on my car exhibits a rough spot in its movement, not the pulley but the mechanism that provides the tension.

Regards,
James

Grease it and see if it smooths out. Sont get it on the pulley or belt, of course. Is it making noise as you rev the engine or something?

Thank you for the reply, I can't hear any noise from it but there is a rough spot when moving it to loosen the tension on the belt to change. I was told it might fail by a mechanic and I want to prevent catastrophic failure that woule destry the new belt I installed. I am in the midst of a UIM/LIM repair so I need to remove the tensioner anyway, I just wanted to save the part cost if I could right now.

Regards,
James

Personally, I wouldnt worry to much about it then. The tensioner barely moves when the belt is on. If the pulley wheel moves freely, and without noise, a rough spot in the adjustment path isnt going to hurt.(Probably oxidation) Since you have it all apart anyway. put a little grease on the adjustment path of the arm.

I replaced mine on my '98, if you ever lost a water pump, you will probably lose an alternator and tensioner with it, the water rides the belt. Advanced Auto had them, not terribly expensive. If you think that yours is bad because no matter what you do your belt squeals and you think it'* the tensioner.... it'* not. Go buy a Goodyear GatorBack belt and your problem wil be solved.