...I noticed a little noise that sounded like a bearing going out...checked the PS pump pulley, AC compressor clutch, all of the pulleys to see if there is play in them. None. Then I put the serpentine belt back on and watched/listened carefully to see what could be causing the noise.

I did notice that the tensioner is not firmly in place...it moves slightly left and right, I don't think that's normal. Can anyone here confirm for a non-mechanic?

 

By design the tensioner should have a good deal of, well, tension on it. Thus it should not move at all. (Aside from rotating). Just as a check, mine does not move. So I would be looking into figuring out what part you need to get your tensioner solid again. The pulley is probably ok hehe.. Did you check the mounting of it? The torque on the bolts? How it feels when you adjust it? If it moves left and right, it should shift when you have a socket on it and loosen the belt.

 

Yea, its torqued down great.

I guess its the spring portion...maybe its not as firm as it used to be but it holds the belt on...

On the picture. That portion is the one (marked with the red arrow) that slightly moves left a little...it's not too bad but noticeable. This only happens when the motor is running.

Yours does not move at all? Crap.