Question: New Belt Tensioner w/Pic...

[GemStater]

At 26-years and 173k miles, I thought it would be a good idea to replace the belt tensioner. After some research I found that company called Litens was identified as an OEM supplier for Mopar. When I got the tensioner, it says "Original Equipment" on the box. However, when compared side-by-side to the old one, they do not resemble one another. In addition, the new Litens tensioner uses a T50 Torx bit. I didn't have one so it was a trip to Harbor Freight and ten extra bucks on Torx set to complete the installation. Once installed, I noted how much more spring tension is being applied to the belt when compared to the old one. Do belt tensioners loose spring tension over time? Is that one reason belt tensioners go bad? Hopefully it's not too much tension causing the other accessory drive bearings to wear prematurely?

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Yes, the spring becomes progressively weaker over time.

At 26-years and 173k miles, I thought it would be a good idea to replace the belt tensioner. After some research I found that company called Litens was identified as an OEM supplier for Mopar. When I got the tensioner, it says "Original Equipment" on the box. However, when compared side-by-side to the old one, they do not resemble one another. In addition, the new Litens tensioner uses a T50 Torx bit. I didn't have one so it was a trip to Harbor Freight and ten extra bucks on Torx set to complete the installation. Once installed, I noted how much more spring tension is being applied to the belt when compared to the old one. Do belt tensioners loose spring tension over time? Is that one reason belt tensioners go bad? Hopefully it's not too much tension causing the other accessory drive bearings to wear prematurely?

 

[SC Maintenance]

OEM parts can change over time - "superseded by" could account for the torx bolt.

Yes the spring can loose tension, like any other spring. Whether that is your situation or not - I am unsure how you would tell.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Not sure what you mean that they don't resemble one another. They look functionally identical to me. Minor differences, yes, but obviously the 'same' part.

Litens is quality.

 

[D60]

Litens is good stuff. I just noted something similar on a '19 Ram. Note Torx vs hex head, and yeah the new one shown is Mopar

We recently put a new tensioner on a BMW diesel. Immediately after install there was a squeal. I blamed the new tensioner idler(s) as we had changed nothing else and I was 100% the new belt was installed properly.

A few days later the water pump failed. NOW, unquestionably the wp was on its way out and the increased tension just accelerated its demise by a few days or weeks.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Litens is good stuff. I just noted something similar on a '19 Ram. Note Torx vs hex head, and yeah the new one shown is MoparView attachment 336536

We recently put a new tensioner on a BMW diesel. Immediately after install there was a squeal. I blamed the new tensioner idler(s) as we had changed nothing else and I was 100% the new belt was installed properly.

A few days later the water pump failed. NOW, unquestionably the wp was on its way out and the increased tension just accelerated its demise by a few days or weeks.

Then the owner goes onto some forum saying your shop broke his WP because they used the wrong tensioner or belt.

 

[Auto tech]

Belt tensioners do weaken over time.