13 replies to this topic

[andyb88]

Just had my Mk3 facelift serviced, told my chap that it had a bit of a "rattle" on the engine somewhere...

He has come back and told me that it is the alternator belt tensioner that is the problem. He also added that he wasn't interested in doing the job as it is quite involved.

Anybody got any experiance of this?

Or is a trip to Fraud's?

Best Regards, and a Merry Xmas to all.

Andy B.

[TruckerJoe]

i get that myself sometimes when its cold or damp

[rickybotts_123]

The auxilary drive belt tensioner aint very hard to change yourself, bit fiddley but thats about it.  May also be worth doing belt and bottom pulley at same time.  Althought the rumble/rattle can return only a few thousand miles down the road

The all 3 in a kit are only £200.  Sure theres a wiki on it to.

HTH

[dojj]

if it's anything like the connect, it's an engine out job, so hope it's got lots more room in the engine bay, which is probably why he's not intrested in the undertaking of such a big job

[dojj]

i tell a lie, it looks as easy as boiling an egg :)

http://fordwiki.co.u...ner_replacement

[The Guv.]

That's the petrol engine...

[hmarchbank]

there is an article that was posted a couple of months ago with photos on how to change it and fabricating your own tool. this is a common problem on these cars.

http://www.fordmonde...php?tid/816315/

[rickybotts_123]

No need to have engine out, but do a search on here theres loads of tips and tricks to help you along.

hmarchbank is right though you do need to make a tool as there isn't enough room to get a rachet head in the tensioner to give some slack

Good luck with it.

[Longhorn109]

You don't need to take the engine out just drop it a bit so the bolts come out. There is a special tool to slacken the tensioner off.

[andyb88]

Thanks for all the replies, just read through the how to posted by Markderby. It don't look difficult does it... It's just so b****y cold out!

Think I might phone Fraud and ask them how much they want...

As this is a known problem, do they ever give up and fail compleatly, and if they do what damage is caused?

Andy B.

[markderby]

i can tell you now the cost will be twice at much as the parts its self if ford did it ...

and thanks for reading my post ..

[rickybotts_123]

TBH mine has been rumbling away the last 10k, its bleeding annoying especially when the air con is on.  I am going to get round to doing it, but as said before the noise can return pretty quick.

I would imagine if it failed completely it would prob snap belt, and car would die.

I would def have a go at doing it yourself, might be cold and cost a few cuts and bruises but wou'll save a packet.  Frauds are robbing gets and least if you do it you know its properly.

If you've just noticed it I dont think they'd be any major rush, just depends hpw much the noise p1sses you off.

[andyb88]

Thanx for the input guys.

Mark your write up is very good, I think cutting down an allen key may also be a good idea.

Gonna leave it for the time being, its not that annoying. Will have a go when the weather gets warmer...

[Welsh Dan]

Which is the bit that fails? Just the pulley on the tensioner?