Good evening 

 

Can anyone tell me the signs of when I need to replace my belt tensioner?

Engine type?  Do you mean aux drive belt tensioner, i,e alternator and air con belt tensioner?> 

2008 1.9tdi. Yes I mean aux/alternator tensioner 

Is there  a problem you're trying to resolve? I like to replace the drive belts every 5 years if possible. But I don't believe it is scheduled service.

 

When the drive belt is off you will feel how much tension there is in the tensioner.  You can also press on the drive belt near the tensioner and see how much movement there is or put a spanner on the pulley and turn it the correct way (against normal direction) to release tension. It should require a fair bit of force.

 

There is some other decent information in here about worn pulleys and radial movement.

 

https://www.gatesaustralia.com.au/~/media/files/gates-au/heavy-duty/hd-tech-tips/troubleshooting-vribbed-belt-noise.pdf

 

Edited 9 December, 20205 yr by TheClient