Drive belt tensioner replacement?

Tiny
ED MAGDALENO
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 162,000 MILES
I am changing the belt tensioner on my car listed above. The new tensioners come with what looks like a little Allen wrench in the thin piece of metal inside the spring. The original tensioner does not have this piece. I assumed it was just there for shipping, but I could not remove it easily. Is this piece supposed to stay there? It doesn't seem right to me, but I couldn't for the life of me remove it.
Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 AT 7:12 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Anything is possible. Could you take a picture of what you are referring to and upload it for me to see?

Also, does the allen wrench thing hinder installing the new tensioner? I ask because chances are it should be there. Since it is an aftermarket part, could have a different design but does the same thing.

Let me know. If possible, a picture should help.

Take care,

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 3rd, 2024 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
ED MAGDALENO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for the reply. I attached a picture of the exact part I installed. It seemed to install fine, but when I compared the two parts on the ground, the lower attachment point was in a different spot. (The Allen wrench thing is holding it up a little). That's what led me to believe it needed to come out. The other thing that makes me nervous is that after installation the top of this Allen wrench thing is within 1/8 of an inch of the belt.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 4th, 2024 AT 7:46 AM
Tiny
ED MAGDALENO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Update: Okay, so after messing with it again this weekend I've determined that it definitely does need to be removed. You will not get the proper belt tension within it. It seems that the Allen wrench pin is only an aid to allow easier installation. The pin is easy to remove after installation by applying pressure to the tensioner as if you were installing or removing the belt. (Toyota part# 16620-0H021).
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 11th, 2024 AT 8:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thank you for the updated information. I know It will help others in the future.

Looking at the pictures you attached, I've never seen a screw in that location. Perhaps it is the manufacturer's design.

Regardless, I'm glad to know you resolved the issue. Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 11th, 2024 AT 10:39 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Serpentine Belt Tensioner Replace/Remove Content

Serpentine Belt Tensioner Replacement
GUIDE
Serpentine Belt Tensioner Replacement
There are many configurations of serpentine belt tensioners, but all follow the same principle which is to keep constant pressure or tension on the engine's serpentine belt...
VIEW MORE