belt tensioner

[jeep_cj8]

Besides a belt getting loose, what are other symptons of a belt tensioner going bad? How expensive are they and are they easy to change? Is there any maintenance I can do to maybe get it working more properly?

Rob Bubala

[XJ_MAC]

What year XJ?

[jeep_cj8]

97

[AZ Jeff]

What year XJ are you talking about? Various years used different tensioners.

I general, the only "failure mode" for most tensioners is the bearing in the center of the idler pulley will begin to fail. That will be accompanied by squeaking or squealing.

Another test for idlers is to remove the belt from the idler and spin the pulley by hand. Growling or grinding or roughness is a sure sign of imminent bearing failure.