Heard an odd squeak. Rotational. Checked it out. Aux belt tensioner. hmmm. Took a closer look (at idle) and WTF I saw a wobble. Turned it off and found the dreaded gap. Now that I have it off, there's nothing loose about it but its definitely sheared.

Just thought I'd share. I've only ever found the thing under my car or back on the road where I lost power steering. Glad I caught a wild one.

I was planning a rebuild anyways due to the deep bites in the ribs that I sure as hell didn't add. Fluidampr ftw and cam seals b/c why not?

 

What caused that damage? That metal is very brittle I'm surprise whatever hit that didn't take a chunk with it.

 

My harmonic balancer did the same thing. The rubber that it’s pressed in deteriorates.

 

My least favorite tool "The Chain Wrench"

 

Yea someone likely used a chain wrench directly on it, or dropped a tool. I have a few old aux belt pieces I use to grip it with the chain wrench.

As for how it sheared? Unsure, other than standard material degredation/heat/oil. It's pretty wet down there if you know what I'm sayin.