Are both tensioner pulleys for my Eclipse the same?

Tiny
VENOMF7
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
  • 140,000 MILES
I recently found out how my eclipse belt system works. There is an accessory belt that runs the power steering and a/c I think. The problem with my car is that the tensioner for the accessory belt is no good anymore and I need a replacement one. What I was wondering is if the timing belt tensioner and the accessory belt tensioner for my car are the same thing and if so then I would be able to buy a timing belt tensioner to replace my bad accessory belt tensioner. The only reason I ask this is because I have not been able to find one accessory belt tensioner for this car and was starting to think this. Am I right what should I do?
Saturday, November 26th, 2011 AT 7:33 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
These tensioners are different, the auto tensioner for the external drive belts will be called a serpentine belt tensioner, the timing belt tensioner is a very different style and is only designed for the timing belt.
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Saturday, November 26th, 2011 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
MATTHEW JACKSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 99 Eclipse GS with the 420A? 2.0 dohc, no turbo and have the same problem. They say (auto parts stores) that its not a common part and is a special dealer order thats pricey.
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Friday, December 9th, 2011 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
DESIREVAMPYRE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I am having a similar issue with my 94 eclipse gs without a turbo, unless I'm mistaken a person should be able to remove the bracket for the tensioner along with the idler wheel. Remove the idler wheel, have the bearing pressed out of the idler wheel center and replace just the bearing, but you better know how to press in the new bearing or know someone that has a bearing press. Then just re-install the idler wheel on the bracket, install bracket back on engine and set the tension on the belt.
Hopefully this will help someone out in fixing their problem, Good luck
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Friday, November 17th, 2017 AT 12:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,370 POSTS
Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, November 19th, 2017 AT 1:43 PM

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