Why won't my tension pulleys rotate?

Tiny
V2M
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 SATURN SC1
My serpentine belt was in shreds when I raised my hood after hearing clanking noises. I took off the old belt and put on a new belt. I tried turning the tensioner to the right to tighten the belt but it won't turn to the right. In addition, the entire tensioner itself is loose. Also, I turned on the engine and the tension pulleys won't rotate. Could the tensioner be busted? Or the tension arm assembly? Please help. Thanks in advance.
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 4:15 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Replace the entire tensioner. It is a common failure.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
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Would the tensioner cause the pulleys not to rotate or turn?
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+1
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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The tensioner bearing may be seized up but from your description, the tensioner was loose as well. Check the other pulleys for being free.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
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  • 8 POSTS
All of the other pulleys turn if I nudge them but the crankshaft pulley doesn't turn. Guess the crankshaft pulley replacing as well?
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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It will turn only when the motor turns. That is the drive pulley to all the others.

Roy
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 8:28 PM

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