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Auxiliary belt tensioner spring



  2003 Clio 172
This is probably a very silly question, however I noticed today when my engine is idling there a bit of vibration/movement in the auxiliary belt tensioner/spring. Everything is tightened up correctly so I'm assuming it's down to the vibration from the engine and the spring almost working a bit like a shock absorber of sorts. I think my paranoia about things breaking due to the issues I've had with the car probably doesn't help ?
 
  2003 Clio 172
Here's a video, but it's not the best unfortunately. Movement isn't really that noticeable in video. It's more like vibration from engine I think.

 
  2003 Clio 172
Spring is bent, get it changed ASAP!
Thanks for spotting that.

Thankfully I have found out about a garage up the road who are good with clios so it took it for him to have a look at. He said the tensioner spring has been fitted incorrectly using the wrong bolts. He also noticed that my plastic cambelt cover is broken and not secured. I am really p*ssed off as I spent over 800 pounds at Renatec in Bristol for a cambelt and aux belt change and they have made a complete mess of it. Cowboys. Now I have to pay another garage to sort out their mess.
 
  2003 Clio 172
Tensioner looks to have failed slightly by the looks of it. I'd change the aux belt kit tbh.

It's annoying as the belt is brand new. I asked when they changed it about the tensioner and they said it looked fine, which is bizarre. The guy who's sorting it out said he'll inspect it when he takes it off to see if it's salvageable, but I may just ask him to replace the kit anyway.
 

Mr Trailer Man

ClioSport Club Member
It's annoying as the belt is brand new. I asked when they changed it about the tensioner and they said it looked fine, which is bizarre. The guy who's sorting it out said he'll inspect it when he takes it off to see if it's salvageable, but I may just ask him to replace the kit anyway.

They didn't change the tensioner when they did the belts?
 
  2003 Clio 172
They didn't change the tensioner when they did the belts?
Nope. I did ask them if it needed doing but they told me they only change them if they are visibly worn or damaged. So much for being a Renault specialist. Knowing what I know now I would have insisted they do it regardless, but lesson learned.
 
  PH2 172
It looks as if the tensioner is working perfectly, but the bad news is that one of the larger diameter pulleys must be running out of true. as in not in a perfect circle, causing a variation in the belt tension.
This would cause the constant movement in the tensioner.
 

Mr Trailer Man

ClioSport Club Member
It looks as if the tensioner is working perfectly, but the bad news is that one of the larger diameter pulleys must be running out of true. as in not in a perfect circle, causing a variation in the belt tension.
This would cause the constant movement in the tensioner.

The spring isn't sitting straight, it's bent slightly. Quite a common failure.
 
  2003 Clio 172
It looks as if the tensioner is working perfectly, but the bad news is that one of the larger diameter pulleys must be running out of true. as in not in a perfect circle, causing a variation in the belt tension.
This would cause the constant movement in the tensioner.

What would cause one of the other pulleys to run out of true? As mentioned I've been advised that spring has been refitted incorrectly and is definitely bent. Will likely have the whole aux belt kit changed for piece of mind.
 


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