Was wondering if anyone can assist! this is the third Fan belt tensioner replaced since August 08 only 25K miles between original and now onto my third. the problem with the two new replacement is that they actually break, not worn down but the metal snaps at the topand leaves it dangling loose! very worrying right next to the time belt with sharp edges :( . its an Octavia 02 1.9TDI. the local garage is stumped, origianl VW part, no abnormal engine movement. the original did not break in this way it was a bush that wore out. had all the pulleys and water pump replaced last year. has this happened to anyone before or point me in any direction. any help would be appreciated.

Cheers Gerry

The alternator pulley seizing up causes this. It has a ratchet mechanism in it and should freewheel in one direction with the belt fitted. A pulley is about £80.

thanks for this will check it out over the weekend, seen some other helpful hints on how to check.

Cheers Gerry

The water pump is driven by the cambelt and the idler pulleys are part of the cambelt kit. I am assuming by fan belt you mean the aux drive belt.

Assuming the tensioner was fitted correctly, then I would guess that the alternator pulley is faulty. It should freewheel in one direction and I bet it's not doing so.

I had this pulley fail and it got replaced for about £80 inc labour at a main dealer.

It can also cause no end of odd electrical faults so well worth doing.

Just some feedback after getting alternator pulley fixed 7 moths ago all is good so far lasted the serious winter so far so its a great sign, thanks for all the help,