Can't get belt tensioner off on 2001 GS430, help please
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Can't get belt tensioner off on 2001 GS430, help please
Hi guys,
I go into the garage this afternoon to replace my belt tensioner in my 2001 GS430 (been getting belt squeal/slippage).
I go into it thinking this is going to be an extremely easy job. I get the air box and serpentine belt off, and there is the tensioner right in front of me. Everything is looking smooth...
But wait, then I discover that the tensioner bracket is being pinched between the alternator and the engine block. I remove the top alternator mounting nut and realize that there is a long stud that the alternator rides on. The only way I can remove the tensioner bracket is to first remove the alternator. But wait again, the alternator won't slide off that long stud because the PS pulley is right in the way!
Am I missing something? Any recommendations on where to go from here?
To make matters worse, I look at the GATES replacement tensioner and quickly notice that the pulley is significantly larger than OEM. Thanks RockAuto!
I go into the garage this afternoon to replace my belt tensioner in my 2001 GS430 (been getting belt squeal/slippage).
I go into it thinking this is going to be an extremely easy job. I get the air box and serpentine belt off, and there is the tensioner right in front of me. Everything is looking smooth...
But wait, then I discover that the tensioner bracket is being pinched between the alternator and the engine block. I remove the top alternator mounting nut and realize that there is a long stud that the alternator rides on. The only way I can remove the tensioner bracket is to first remove the alternator. But wait again, the alternator won't slide off that long stud because the PS pulley is right in the way!
Am I missing something? Any recommendations on where to go from here?
To make matters worse, I look at the GATES replacement tensioner and quickly notice that the pulley is significantly larger than OEM. Thanks RockAuto!
Last edited by BayAreaLex; 04-04-15 at 07:40 PM.
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Jokster, You can only pull the alternator forward an inch or so before the alternator smacks into the PS pulley. I need to be able to slide the alternator at least another inch or two forward. I need to get the alternator completely off that stud so that I can then slide the tensioner bracket off that stud.
Last edited by BayAreaLex; 04-04-15 at 07:40 PM.
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
There is no way I can access that stud head without removing the alternator. And If I remove the alternator, I don't need to access that head.
In any case, it looks like it's much more involved than I imagined on a GS430. This thread below shows that you must remove the PS pulley, alternator, and plastic cover plates before you can remove the tensioner bracket.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...tensioner.html
It will require jacking up the car and freeing up the alternator wires from underneath. Quite disappointing when what you thought was a 15 minutes job will actually turn into a 2-3hr job :-/
In any case, it looks like it's much more involved than I imagined on a GS430. This thread below shows that you must remove the PS pulley, alternator, and plastic cover plates before you can remove the tensioner bracket.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...tensioner.html
It will require jacking up the car and freeing up the alternator wires from underneath. Quite disappointing when what you thought was a 15 minutes job will actually turn into a 2-3hr job :-/
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#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
haha... not when I've patched everything up already due to needing the car tonight.
Also, why is the GATES tensioner pulley larger than the OEM tensioner pulley, ugh.
Also, why is the GATES tensioner pulley larger than the OEM tensioner pulley, ugh.
#9
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
As I was researching with you, I ran across a thread recommending the I think Denso or Dayco and not the Gates because it wasnt the right size. However, if the pulley clears any surrounding accessories, it'll still work, but you'll need a bigger belt. I had a similar issue when replacing a pulley, but it was too thick and it was hitting the block. Always better off getting the right one.
#10
Instructor
Thread Starter
This is exactly why it's better to stick with OEM when possible... The repro parts world is a cluster F.
Interestingly, rockauto is showing the 2001-2004 GS430 as a 102mm tensioner pulley diameter. The 2005 GS430 is showing 90mm diameter.
This 102mm pulley is certainly bigger than the stock pulley that's in my 2001 GS430 now.
Interestingly, rockauto is showing the 2001-2004 GS430 as a 102mm tensioner pulley diameter. The 2005 GS430 is showing 90mm diameter.
This 102mm pulley is certainly bigger than the stock pulley that's in my 2001 GS430 now.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
Weird, going by the part number 13540-50030, 2 sites say its 62mm:
http://baifi.en.gasgoo.com/auto-products/1681547.html
http://www.yiparts.com/lexus,tension...550030,es.html
http://baifi.en.gasgoo.com/auto-products/1681547.html
http://www.yiparts.com/lexus,tension...550030,es.html
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
Weird, going by the part number 13540-50030, 2 sites say its 62mm:
http://baifi.en.gasgoo.com/auto-products/1681547.html
http://www.yiparts.com/lexus,tension...550030,es.html
http://baifi.en.gasgoo.com/auto-products/1681547.html
http://www.yiparts.com/lexus,tension...550030,es.html
#14
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This is exactly why it's better to stick with OEM when possible... The repro parts world is a cluster F.
Interestingly, rockauto is showing the 2001-2004 GS430 as a 102mm tensioner pulley diameter. The 2005 GS430 is showing 90mm diameter.
This 102mm pulley is certainly bigger than the stock pulley that's in my 2001 GS430 now.
Interestingly, rockauto is showing the 2001-2004 GS430 as a 102mm tensioner pulley diameter. The 2005 GS430 is showing 90mm diameter.
This 102mm pulley is certainly bigger than the stock pulley that's in my 2001 GS430 now.
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BayAreaLex
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
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04-07-15 04:11 PM