Replacing serpentine belt should I do tensioner to?

[Diamondw204]

Hi guys
Car running well with no problems
Car is 12 years old 87,000 miles om646
Did a b service and on checking the serpentine belt. It has small cracks on the ribbed section
I already have a new spare so will change it shortly ,as I have no noises coming from the front end I will carry out checks on all the pulleys idler,wheels ect,
Any advice on whether to change the tensioner or leave it?

 

[Petrol Pete]

Change it, especially if it is plastic. They are rarely expensive

 

[Trickythemerc]

I did mine a while back. The idlers both had rattling bearings when I got them off, also had a bit more play in the water pump than I was happy with. Finished up with new pump,tensioner,idlers and alternator clutch pulley for good measure. Will not need to going in there again for a a good while.

 

[martini]

Hi guys
Car running well with no problems
Car is 12 years old 87,000 miles om646
Did a b service and on checking the serpentine belt. It has small cracks on the ribbed section
I already have a new spare so will change it shortly ,as I have no noises coming from the front end I will carry out checks on all the pulleys idler,wheels ect,
Any advice on whether to change the tensioner or leave it?

Yes change them. I have seen the plastic ones disintegrate. Not worth the risk.

 

[slade1]

Yes, on my CLK 272 motor idler let go and caused problems. the serpentine broke and wrapped it's self around crankshaft pulley. I was only a few 100s yds from home. Without the belt there is no water pump, power steering and no alternator.
Change the lot except the above if in good condition.