How to Replace the Belt Tensioner on a Chrysler Grand Voyager
by Christian Killian
Serpentine belt tensioners are critical to the proper operation of the drive belt. If the tensioner becomes loose, worn or the bearings start to drag, it can fail and damage the serpentine belt, making replacement of the belt and tensioner necessary. The tensioner is responsible for maintaining the proper tension on the serpentine belt, and most tensioners use a spring-loaded arm with a pulley on it to effectively perform this task. A new tensioner is available from your Chrysler dealer as well as many auto parts stores.
Step 1
Remove the negative battery cable from the battery using a wrench. Set the cable aside, making sure it cannot touch the battery terminal while you are working on the engine.
Step 2
Position a jack under the right side of the van and raise it off the ground. Insert a jack stand under the frame to support the vehicle.
Step 3
Locate the drive belt shield or splash shield and remove it by prying out the plastic rivets that secure it with a flat head screwdriver. Locate the belt tensioner and slide a wrench onto the lug at the end of the tensioner. Turn the tensioner counterclockwise to release the tension.
Step 4
Remove the drive belt from the tensioner and remove the mounting bolt in the center of the tensioner with a socket and ratchet. Remove the tensioner from the engine block.
Step 5
Install the new belt tensioner onto the engine block using the mounting bolt from the original tensioner. Torque the mounting bolt to 21 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.
Step 6
Place a wrench on the lug at the end of the tensioner and turn it counterclockwise. Reinstall the belt on the belt tensioner then slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to tighten the belt. No adjustment beyond that is required.
Step 7
Reinstall the splash guard by pushing the guard up and inserting the plastic rivets to secure it. Support the van with the jack, remove the jack stands and lower the van to the ground.
Step 8
Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and tighten the bolt with a wrench.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Flat head screwdriver
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
