How To Replace Tensioner Pulley on 1996-2002 Chevy GMC Truck & SUV

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

This video shows how to check and replace the tensioner pulley in a Chevy and GMC pickup truck with the small block chevy vortec engines. These are notorious for prematurely failure and early diagnosis of a bad tensioner pulley can save you from being stranded on the side of the road.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Midwest Garage, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Midwest Garage assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Midwest Garage recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Midwest Garage, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Midwest Garage.
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Пікірлер: 163

  • @cmat36
    @cmat363 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. My alternator went out this morning and I had no idea how to remove the belt until I watched this. Replacing the alternator was just as easy as the tensioner.

  • @andyunsicker2229
    @andyunsicker2229Ай бұрын

    Thanks! I was stranded and just needed to know how to do that job. I’m sitting here with my feet up waiting for my buddy to bring me the part so I can put it on.

  • @cbxandy9441
    @cbxandy94413 жыл бұрын

    Nice job with this video. Thanks for sharing. A few months ago my 1994 G30 1 ton van with 454ci big block shredded the serpentine belt after the tensioner began to squeal. Of course the shredded belt forced me to coast to a stop without PS, water pump, alternator or AC. Luckily 20 years ago I replaced that belt and still had the original 26 year old belt as a spare to reinstall for the 30mi drive home. But OMG, you haven't lived until you try to install that belt on a van with a 454ci rat motor wedged under the hood while laying on your back. Luckily I made it home, ordered a new heavy duty green AC Delco belt and new tensioner. Shame on me for letting the belt go for 20 years despite the vehicle only having 35,000 miles. Thanks again!

  • @ChrissOHV
    @ChrissOHV2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man! Very helpful. Just got done with it after the dealer quoted me $689 dollar for this $50 bucks and 15 min job ✌️😎

  • @markdoeller758
    @markdoeller7582 ай бұрын

    I got a diagnosis today from a local mechanic on a bad idler pulley but I want to replace the tensioner while I'm in there and a new belt to boot. Good vid! 👍

  • @TheYoungBuck
    @TheYoungBuck2 жыл бұрын

    I have a 1997 k1500 Silverado and your videos have saved my butt a couple times. I appreciate these big time! Thanks.

  • @kinoty1412
    @kinoty14122 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this. Excellent visuals, described everything perfectly for the novice, about to replace this plus the upper idler on my 96 Cheyenne.

  • @MixedGoku
    @MixedGoku2 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely the best video I've seen on this topic keep up the good work

  • @marcarpackin2421
    @marcarpackin2421 Жыл бұрын

    I have a 1996 gmc sierra and I am gonna change the idler and tensioner pulleys.ive had the truck since 2015 and the pulley has just started speaking this year. I wanna say thank for all of your videos . I seen a lot of them and I've got my truck running great. And in part thanks to you man.

  • @lazidud21
    @lazidud214 жыл бұрын

    I just picked up a 1996 K1500, when replacing the serpentine belt the tensioner just stayed where it was after loosening the tension. Thanks for the video, I didn't think of removing the fan shroud, that really helped out.

  • @jasontyler6445
    @jasontyler64452 жыл бұрын

    Great video, I was glad to learn it was that easy of a fix,and FYI my pully come apart driving down the road,split my belt in two.

  • @sibghatkhan1238
    @sibghatkhan12384 жыл бұрын

    I have a 2000 Chevy pick up C 25 and your information is very helpful I am very impressed

  • @ramoscoleman4809
    @ramoscoleman480911 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the video. I am about to change my serpentine belt as well as the tensioner. I appreciate your attention to detail.😎👍🏾

  • @kgmstudio4010
    @kgmstudio4010 Жыл бұрын

    2003 blazer 4.3 vortec same thing easy fix like you said 20 years old its gonna wear out i had more room around my engine so i didnt have to remove my fan cover thank for the video!

  • @mariodelario7492
    @mariodelario74924 жыл бұрын

    Watched your video. I have a 2001 GMC Savana and have decided to do it myself. My kit came in from rock auto. Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. And apparently...yes, it is a common thing amongst Chevy brand with belt squeal.

  • @geneparsons9922

    @geneparsons9922

    Жыл бұрын

    Mine went out last night 2000 blazer 1st one i had to do but I only had the truck a year. So we see how long it’ll last

  • @daz4312
    @daz4312 Жыл бұрын

    Hmm... Have had my 2001 Silverado 1500 2WD ext cab since 2002. 4.8l vortec. Got 293K miles out of the first engine, never had to replace this pulley/tensioner. Had a used 70K engine dropped in it in 2018. Today, the pulley just completely disintegrated the plastic (PLASTIC!?!?!?) around the bearing area, leaving just the outer grooved ring intact. Like the plastic got soft and melted and spun itself off the machine... Never seen any thing like it. Of course I lost both belts in the process and barely managed to steer it off the freeway... Looking for vids on how to replace it tonite before the parts stores close and yours came up. Your vid has a different engine, but gives me enough info to work with. Thanks for a clear and concise presentation!

  • @mstockton1726
    @mstockton17263 жыл бұрын

    Definitely going to help with my fixes tomorrow, truck virgin as far as repairs, I have that, and a water pump on a Rainier to do

  • @mayasevelen
    @mayasevelen4 жыл бұрын

    Got a 99 Tahoe and my pulley is doing a jig! Thanks for this vid!

  • @tarstakars
    @tarstakars3 жыл бұрын

    I just subscribed to your channel because the tensioner pulley in my 99 Yukon, the bearings are bad in it and I was dreading replacing it I had no idea how to do it cuz I rarely work on cars built after 1970 and the thought of paying someone else to do it.... well let's just say that's a tough call for me. I really want to thank you for helping me with this now I know I can do in a few minutes with the tools I have and I'm going to replace that idler pulley at the same time just to be safe.

  • @whitecloudrancharizonatim56
    @whitecloudrancharizonatim563 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Great video, my 1996 K2500 Silverado 4x4 was making some noises, this was the issue! Parking it for a few days and driving the wife’s car to work until I can get to it on Sunday! Again, simple, to the point, great video!

  • @g-track5065

    @g-track5065

    Жыл бұрын

    Have you ever had one that made a knocking sound?

  • @arizonasnowmama5426
    @arizonasnowmama5426 Жыл бұрын

    I have a 1997 C1500, 335,000 miles. Had this replaced a few years ago, getting ready to replace it again... Doing it myself this time. I smell rubber. Thanks for showing me how to do it! I subscribed and hit the notifications bell.

  • @catalinasalazar755
    @catalinasalazar7554 жыл бұрын

    I have a 96 c1500 . Mine is about to give out, it's slipping off one side but the belt is still ok. Thanks for the video... I'm going to have to replace it before I get stranded. I've only been driving the truck a few months after it sat for 8 years. I subscribed.... going to watch more of these helpful videos thanks!

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, thank you! I'm glad I could help! If you have any specific questions on other fixes that I don't have a video on please let me know!

  • @chieftomah7118
    @chieftomah71184 жыл бұрын

    Ty for sharing knowledge and stay safe all

  • @jennierbillyfrench7689
    @jennierbillyfrench76893 жыл бұрын

    Nice work my 99 silverado is sitting on the road right now with the pulley go e and belt thrown off..

  • @danieljaquier7952
    @danieljaquier79522 жыл бұрын

    I have a 96 Blazer with a Vortec engine and my tensioner just went out. I assume the spring failed because when I revved the throttle body I saw it move and there was a sqeal. Thanks for the video I'll tackle this tensioner tomorrow because I did the alternator today and with the air conditioner stuff in the way the rear bolt for the alternator was a royal pain in the ass to get back in.

  • @norbertorivera2052
    @norbertorivera20523 жыл бұрын

    Great video, thanks so much.

  • @gadgetprepper8039
    @gadgetprepper8039 Жыл бұрын

    Great video! It gave me the confidence to do it myself. Looks like fun 👍🏿

  • @brianbrown600
    @brianbrown600 Жыл бұрын

    Another tip when doing this repair. Spin the idler pulley at the top once the tension is off and the belt loosened or removed. That pulley is often the source of noise from the belt system. Spin it and if it's noisy from a little spin, it's easy to replace it now.

  • @robertrivera4712
    @robertrivera47122 жыл бұрын

    Super helpful. Thanks a million bro!

  • @nallo1115
    @nallo11153 жыл бұрын

    Esta perfecto...grasias copa....

  • @tommyybarra
    @tommyybarra Жыл бұрын

    97 Chevy c1500 4.3 nice video worked perfect. thank you

  • @kailyguerra1859
    @kailyguerra1859 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! This was very helpful!

  • @carlzywocienski1193
    @carlzywocienski11932 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • @abelacho28
    @abelacho283 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful thanks! Silverado with 4.3 tensioner went out

  • @kevinstephens9418
    @kevinstephens9418 Жыл бұрын

    Not a chevy, but this video helped me replace the tensioner on my 02 Ranger. I just had my power steering go out, my battery light cut on, and my coolant temp shot up all at the same time. Went to check the belt and it was gone. The part that you pointed to and said breaks more often than the bearings had sheared off and the pulley was completely gone as well lol.

  • @hellwithit
    @hellwithit3 жыл бұрын

    Right on brother! Just noticed a growling noise as I pulled in the driveway!

  • @elbuitre6940
    @elbuitre69402 жыл бұрын

    Your video is awesome i have a 2000 silverado v6 with 337k miles its loud humming when acelerate i was told it could be this or thhe tensioner on the upper right .. thanks u give me confidence to do it my self

  • @jeffstone7912
    @jeffstone79123 жыл бұрын

    My pulley is going out. 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 with 75,500 miles. 4.3V6 . 8 year old Truck. Thanks for the instruction.

  • @leon931000
    @leon9310004 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tip

  • @p-wayne855
    @p-wayne855 Жыл бұрын

    What's up man checked out your video did realize the my tensioner was bad on my 97 GMC sierra 1500 thank man

  • @antwon152434
    @antwon1524343 жыл бұрын

    Huge help! Thank you

  • @antwon152434

    @antwon152434

    3 жыл бұрын

    I have a 99 Chevy s10 xtreme with 185k miles and i just started noticing the tensioner going out

  • @pauljones799
    @pauljones7994 жыл бұрын

    You just saved me $$$, and if I had seen this video even sooner, I wouldn't of been left stranded in the cold !!! At least I know it is a easy DIY fix now...thank you...I subbed to your channel, and "liked" this video...only because they don't have a "loved it " button lol

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it! I am really glad I was able to help you out and save you a little cash. Be sure to check out some other videos, and hopefully I can help you out some more!

  • @johnnymoreno9847
    @johnnymoreno98472 жыл бұрын

    Great video for my 2009 Silverado 1500 v6

  • @geoffreykail9129
    @geoffreykail91293 жыл бұрын

    My buddies went out this afternoon. Replacing n the morning. Serpentine bell came completely off hope I can figure out the path or that it's shown on top of the grill.

  • @eddieochoa8058
    @eddieochoa80582 жыл бұрын

    Thank you partner. Helped me out lots

  • @apocalypse9347
    @apocalypse93474 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video! Thanks brother. Peace and blessings

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man, much appreciated!

  • @apocalypse9347

    @apocalypse9347

    4 жыл бұрын

    Midwest Garage Your welcome bro! I replaced the tension pulley and belt in about 20 minutes thanks to your video. Saved $$$$. Thanks again! Peace and blessings

  • @johnwilliams7352
    @johnwilliams73524 жыл бұрын

    03 gmc. Noticed an occasional squeak under power. Replacing the idler and tensioner now. 165k miles. Will also be tackling the front wheel bearings soon. Developed a little roar. Great vid btw.

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the kind words! I also have a video on replacing these front wheel bearings if you need to check that out!

  • @ericbouwman4409
    @ericbouwman44092 жыл бұрын

    Dude! Thanks for the help!

  • @marcusdiaz4169
    @marcusdiaz4169 Жыл бұрын

    This video was definitely helpful 💪🏾

  • @eliastorres4294
    @eliastorres42944 жыл бұрын

    Great information I have a 1997 with 350 vortec and have to change it out. Thanks

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the comment, I'm glad I could help!

  • @user-jc6tl9mt2p
    @user-jc6tl9mt2p10 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this video.... my mom's 2000 blazer was having problems with the lights when she would press the gas at all ... thought it might have been a ground until I seen the tension pully while it was on moving back and forth

  • @epmcdonald4562

    @epmcdonald4562

    6 ай бұрын

    Tensioner bouncing is not problem for lights? Belt would have to be gone or not moving, would have other problems overheating,dead battery,p/steering, brakes to name few problems. Best to take to Profesional instead spending money guessing.

  • @nsiegel69
    @nsiegel693 жыл бұрын

    Have a 96 gmc suburban. Mine was rattling really bad so thanks to your vid helped me be able to change her out real quick especially since my Chiltons had absolutely nothing in it about it aside from taking the belt off. I'm very picky when I comes to doing new automotive work. I know a lot but not everything lol I did notice that after I started her that the pulley still seems to shift back & forth. Is that normal? I'm wary cuz I've had to over $6000 in parts alone in the past 4 months on her granted now I know all that is being done but I def got screwed on this deal.

  • @sanhsands6132
    @sanhsands61323 жыл бұрын

    awesome man. Thank you so much.

  • @navedukes9592
    @navedukes95924 жыл бұрын

    Love your video please make more video bout those 5.7 vortec engine thank you

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    Will do, thank you for the comment! I'll be sure to have more videos coming soon about these!

  • @ryanroberts0167
    @ryanroberts01677 ай бұрын

    I have a 98 blazer 4.3 and my tensioner pulley twitches real bad. I guess it’s a bad spring like you mentioned. Thanks for the info! 🤝

  • @jamespowers4584
    @jamespowers4584Ай бұрын

    Replacing mine later tonight or tomorrow thanks for the info

  • @gwendalynnsmith5593
    @gwendalynnsmith55934 жыл бұрын

    Awesome thank you.

  • @djhotmixes
    @djhotmixes Жыл бұрын

    Good video!!!

  • @user-og7lc5od6q
    @user-og7lc5od6q3 ай бұрын

    Thank you. Got it done.

  • @EONINJA
    @EONINJA4 жыл бұрын

    Have 98 suburban k1500 just did a tune up now have to replace the tension pulley always thought it was harder to do

  • @corylewis1639
    @corylewis1639 Жыл бұрын

    I have a 98 GMC Yukon SLT with the 5.7 vortec engine with only 125,000mi...I've noticed my tensioner pulley has a lot of play in it as well. Didn't realize it was that easy to change it.

  • @spottheoddity
    @spottheoddity3 жыл бұрын

    I can hear mine I just bought a 98 W/T 1500 the belt's new so I know it's probably mechanical thanks a ton

  • @Mr105246
    @Mr105246 Жыл бұрын

    Nice video brother

  • @nathanwiggins8578
    @nathanwiggins8578 Жыл бұрын

    Hi great video in got to change the one on my 99 oldsmobile bravada with the belt, other pulley thanks

  • @INSERTNAMExHERE
    @INSERTNAMExHERE2 жыл бұрын

    I did this on my 96 K1500 reg cab, short bed. It's a bit difficult for me as I'm 5'3", and had to improvise with sockets and extensions to use as leverage while standing on a few cinderblocks hahah. Though it's pretty easy all around though

  • @elizabethflores8946
    @elizabethflores89462 жыл бұрын

    Bravo very good teacher congratulation!!

  • @drewsquickfix
    @drewsquickfix Жыл бұрын

    Good video thanks I have a 1997 Chevy Tahoe sport 2 door 5.7 L Vortec

  • @frankarchibald732
    @frankarchibald7323 жыл бұрын

    Mines bad. Thats why I'm here🤣 first good looking video. Just wanted to see what tools ill need🤣

  • @stephendove7447
    @stephendove74473 жыл бұрын

    Good stuff...I have a 01. Whining belt or pulling...trying to figure it out

  • @petuliakowchee8571
    @petuliakowchee85712 жыл бұрын

    Dude... thank you...

  • @darwinhudnall1520
    @darwinhudnall15202 жыл бұрын

    Thanks bro this happened to me yesterday

  • @caitlinsias7819
    @caitlinsias78194 жыл бұрын

    99 chevy blazer thank u so much

  • @isaac2451
    @isaac24512 жыл бұрын

    When I toke mine off it did not have a washer but the new one I got came with a washer should I install the washer

  • @theaussie7160
    @theaussie71604 жыл бұрын

    Will it work with a 93 Silverado 1500 383 vortec ....cause in Australia our chevy motors spin the other way.

  • @nedwhite2524
    @nedwhite25242 жыл бұрын

    @ 150 K I replaced the tensioner pulley on my GMC JIMMY and now @ 220 K doing it again, so that's not to bad .

  • @josecarrero6283
    @josecarrero62832 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @michaeld.5128
    @michaeld.5128 Жыл бұрын

    Own a 98 & 96 K1500, one is a 5.7 The other is a 5.0. Have had to replace tensioner pulley on BOTH @ 120,000 miles. Should also replace the idler pulley while you have the shroud off.

  • @bennycobos898
    @bennycobos8982 жыл бұрын

    Hey great info my belt came off on the road. No steering and brakes. Not sure why. Looks like a part is missing at top of belt path looks empty. What should it look like

  • @wronik7293
    @wronik72933 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much 5/16/21

  • @chicagotruckerlifeforlife5570
    @chicagotruckerlifeforlife5570 Жыл бұрын

    Thank You…🙌

  • @susanwoods9996
    @susanwoods99963 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! 1994 gmc sierra bad tensioner.

  • @sk_wr
    @sk_wr Жыл бұрын

    I have a question, I replaced all pulleys on the drive belt, replaced the belt, and it is still squeaking & making noise. Does an 02 Silverado have the option to tighten the tension on the tensioner pulley or do I possibly have the wrong size belt ?

  • @SpencerKyleMarfurt
    @SpencerKyleMarfurt3 жыл бұрын

    2003 gmc jimmy 230K On my way to pick up a car with a trailer today and the idler pully blew apart. lucklily the belt didnt snap but its about half the width by the time i pulled over OMW to the parts store..

  • @cotynietling2567
    @cotynietling25674 жыл бұрын

    Just watched video checked as you suggested hlly cow not sure how belt was staying on lol got new one ordered my idler pulley was shot too 1999 C1500 Suburban 220k miles all original parts

  • @AL-kw3cd
    @AL-kw3cd Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video, if the tensioner is tight, the pulley was bad and it still squeaks after replacing the pulley, could the tensioner still be bad? Or is the belt stretched?

  • @T-REX72
    @T-REX723 жыл бұрын

    Here here, 2500 gmc 2002. Plastic pulley locked up and burnt off, the tension Pulley itself seems good but I will replace all of it. $40. I got lucky, it happened as I was pulling into my driveway.

  • @bwagenberg
    @bwagenberg4 жыл бұрын

    What's the torque? Do you have a temp fix when stranded like cut the belt and drive on battery?

  • @henrycotton1554

    @henrycotton1554

    2 жыл бұрын

    No - belt pulls water pump

  • @MrRamyourcar
    @MrRamyourcar3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks

  • @traviezo766
    @traviezo7664 жыл бұрын

    I got a 2000 chevy s10 can I do the same steps?

  • @marknorton5569
    @marknorton5569 Жыл бұрын

    What size is the bolt for the back brace for the belt tensioner for my 5.7 chevy

  • @Penfold8
    @Penfold84 жыл бұрын

    I just replaced the belt on my 2006 Trailblazer. I am pretty sure the tensioner puller went out.

  • @g-track5065
    @g-track5065 Жыл бұрын

    Have you ever had one that made a knocking sound?

  • @elysejenkins5234
    @elysejenkins5234 Жыл бұрын

    Wow! Nice fix! What could snap a tensioner in half!?

  • @Crane_pond_Chronicles
    @Crane_pond_Chronicles2 жыл бұрын

    I have an 03 Chevy venture I just changed the water pump on it and realize my belt was squealing real bad come to find out it was the tensioner but whenever I got the van the guy sent a brand new one with it so guess I'm going to throw it on and see what goes on next

  • @jouseff_1293
    @jouseff_1293 Жыл бұрын

    my belt tensioner wobbles quite a bit when its on, is it normal? (its new) belt is a dayco 5060950

  • @dylantrafton3179
    @dylantrafton31794 жыл бұрын

    Fixed! But still have a squeal some where, idler maybe? Or pump?

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'd definitely check those things. How did your belt look? If it's getting a little old that could definitely be the squeal also. Let me know what you find!

  • @dylantrafton3179

    @dylantrafton3179

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@MidwestGarage belt was newer looking but I replaced it anyways! Ill let you know what i find! Great videos by the way! I purchased a stethescope to help pin point

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@dylantrafton3179 Thanks man, yeah definitely let me know! If that doesn't help or fix it let me know I'll try to help the best I can.

  • @DavidFairchild-iv9tf
    @DavidFairchild-iv9tf9 ай бұрын

    Watched to remind myself. My tensioner went out, approximately 153,000. Hope this helps.

  • @warpig4942
    @warpig49423 жыл бұрын

    Do that idler pulley at the top at the same time, they are just as bad as the tensioner.

  • @carlosp9520
    @carlosp95204 жыл бұрын

    Good Videos thanks i think i have a really bad tenssion pully because its sounds like a bad bealtbut the bealt its new

  • @MidwestGarage

    @MidwestGarage

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Let me know if that ended up being the issue!

  • @jaylenmorey6849
    @jaylenmorey68493 жыл бұрын

    Just happen to me today!! On my 2001 blazer I hit the gas real hard next thing you know car over heating and steeering almost fully locked up good thing I made it too the garage 😭🧢✊🏾