I recently removed the air pump on my wife's 92 RS Camaro (V8, stock sperpentine belt system). I followed the tech article to do this using the 96.8" belt and altered belt routing scheme. It works great and the tensioner shows that it's right in the middle of it's tension range now that the belt's got a few hours run time on it (it previously showed the belt was just a smidge too tight before I got some miles on it). In short, it looks and works perfectly.

However, occasionally, the tensioner rocks back and forth against it's tension spring a small fraction of an inch at idle (not really all that unusual). However, when it does so it makes a noticable "clunk" noise. Like something's binding up in the tensioner spring or fulcrum.

Shouldn't the tensioner arm rock back and forth as smooth as glass? Is it getting worn out? Will replacing the tensioner unit fix the "problem"? When I move it manually with a breaker bar it seems to move smoothly but when it's on the engine a small amout of movement at idle seem to cause this "clunk."

I have no idea if it was doing this before the air pump removal/conversion. I didn't pay any attention to it before. It might have been. I don't know.

It's just an annoyance, but the new combo is so smooth and runs so well that this lone clunk is loud enough to make you wonder "what the heck was THAT noise??"

 

IIRC there is a plate that may be rubbing. Go here <A HREF="https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/search.php?s="><IMG SRC="https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/images/smilies/search.gif" BORDER="0"></A> (clickable!!) and search for 'tensioner' and 'Vader'. He had a blow up picture somehwere if memory serves. As well as some sound advice (as usual for the tin can head).

 

OK, after I read a couple dozen posts in the search and my eyes went all blurry, I gave up. Couldn't find exactly what you were referencing.

I think I'm going to just replace the tensioner and hope for the best.

 

my poop-boys tensioner does the same thing. Probably due to wear in the bearings or maybe its binding somewhere. Take the belt off and move the tensioner as well as teh pully by hand. The tensioner, aside from the spring tension, should pivot relatively freely. If the pully makes lots of grinding noises or is loose then the bearings are shot and you really should replace it.

I have the same belt and no SP and the tensioner is located properly so theres nothing that will be hitting.

 

mine has been doing that since i bought the car (over 2 yrs ago). doesnt seem to be getting worse.