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Belt Tensioner Rattling

Tiny
RMOORE09
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD EXPLORER
  • 216,000 MILES
Hi, my explorer runs perfectly fine but when you run the ac the belt tensioner freaks out and makes a rattling noise. It will only do it in reverse or drive. The belt tensioner and ac clutch are perfectly fine. When you turn the ac off, the rattling noise quits. Also, when you shut the vehicle off, you can smell a burning smell. The gas mileage has gone down a little bit. Any ideas because I am at a loss?
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 10:55 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Your belt tenisor is going out its weak thats why its doing what its doing.
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 11:02 PM
Tiny
RMOORE09
  • MEMBER
  • 132 POSTS
The belt tensioner has been replaced twice to fix the problem. It still continues to rattle.
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
What brand belt tenisor are you using?I have seen multiple brand aftermarket belt tenisors rattle replace with a different brand and rattle again. Then put a factory one on and rattle stops. Also sometimes the incorrect belt size or a cheap thin belt can make the belt tenisors rattle.
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 11:28 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Especially with the ac on and in gear they can rattle pretty bad.
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
RMOORE09
  • MEMBER
  • 132 POSTS
So I need to replace the belt and the belt tensioner with the OE brand?
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 11:33 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
What brand belt tenisor and belt are you using?
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 11:38 PM
Tiny
RMOORE09
  • MEMBER
  • 132 POSTS
Idk actually on the belt, its only been 10000 miles on the new belt. The tensioner was Oreilly house brand. What brand do you suggest?
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Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 AT 11:41 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
I would use a motorcraft belt tenisor and a dayco belt. Do you have a 4.0L Ohv or a 4.0L sohc?
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Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 AT 12:03 AM
Tiny
RMOORE09
  • MEMBER
  • 132 POSTS
4.0 OHV
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Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Just to add, ake sure the ac compressor is not momentarily locking up causing this issue.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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Its the same belt tenisor ethier engine I looked it up. As long as the ac compressor or anyhing else is locking up on the pulleys you have a poorly designed and made belt tenisor. Also like a said before incorrect length belt or too thin of belt can caise rattle issues.
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Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
RMOORE09
  • MEMBER
  • 132 POSTS
The AC Compressor is just fine so I guess its just a bad designed belt tensioner. Ill try replacing both.
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Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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Thats the only thing that makes sense to me.
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Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 AT 6:11 PM

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