I realized I should have posted this here instead of in hatch talk, so I'm posting here now. Sorry for putting in the wrong bucket...

How do you know when your belt tensioner needs replaced? Is there a visual indicator (i.e., the #1 hole isn't completely visible when the belt is installed, etc...) or some kind of physical test?

I replaced my belt a few weeks ago and the #1 hole is slightly hidden versus being completely visible.

Thanks!

 

How much of the hole that you see is an indicator of the condition of the belt, not the tensioner. If your tensioner is failing, you will hear a rattling, grinding, or squeaking from the front of your engine. If you have a very long screwdriver, prybar or metal rod, you can CAREFULLY touch the non moving part of the tensioner (the bracket) and hold your ear up to the other end to listen for bearing grinding. Do this at your own risk, and watch out for moving parts. If so, it's time for a new tensioner.

 

Thanks, I'll try that test. Like I had said, with my new belt (KO060535) I can see almost the entire 1st hole (I have a 15% reduction pulley), and wasn't sure if that would be different based on the condition of the spring in the tensioner. I guess I thought if the spring was getting weak/worn versus being new, that it would impact the visibility of the hole.

Thanks!

 

What about that little shock absorber? How to know when that's worn out? Mine jumps around a lot. I think that wears faster than the bearing.

 

If you can see moisture on the black part of the shock, it's leaking oil, and has failed.