Idle the tensioner pulley makes a lot of noise?

CHIEF1983

MEMBER
2003 VOLKSWAGEN BORA
1.9L
TURBO
FWD
MANUAL
98,675 MILES

When my car is idle the tensioner pulley makes a lot of noise and it is wobbling back and forth it sounds like a tank when it happened I got a message on the dashboard saying Alternator Workshop I checked the battery and took the cover off and that problem went when I started her back up I noticed that the tensioner pulley was wobbling like mad. What do I need to do to resolve this as I daren't drive it?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like the pulleys are loose for the tensioner and the alternator. Keep in mind that when a pulley wobble like this it can break the belt and cause damage.
The first step would be to remove the serpentine belt.

Then inspect the bolt for the tensioner pulley. Make sure it is tightened. Secure down the alternator bolt and keeps the pulley in place.

If the bolts are tightened and the pulleys are still wobbling, then you will have to replace those components.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/serpentine-belt-tensioner-replacement

I have attached instructions for a Jetta which is same as the Bora.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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