BayAreaLex

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!

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Doesnt the alternator slide far enough away from the block to get to the tensioner? I had a similar problem on I think my drag car, but I was able to still work in the tight space with the alternator pulled forward all the way.

BayAreaLex

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.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Actually now that I think of it... That long bolt should be screwed into the block itself. Look for some flat edges on the long bolt that will allow you to remove the bolt from the block.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

This is the actual bolt, it does have a head right at the block

BayAreaLex

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 :-/

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Isnt that just 1 extra step? Just remove the PS pulley? Cant be more than an extra 15 minutes for that and to remove the splash guard Getterdun!

BayAreaLex

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.

Mr Jokster

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.

BayAreaLex

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.

Mr Jokster

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

BayAreaLex

Those are timing belt tensioners, not serpentine belt tensioners.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Crap waste of time! 2 fails today I wasnt paying attention...

aj007

See: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...er-pulley.html