OliverB Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 Hi all, I've just been told the squealing on my belts is due to needing a new 'auto-tensioner'. I've got a Rev-Up VQDE. The belts are new as of mid-July and are in good condition. Squealing occurs when cold (i.e. in the morning and after work at <4 degrees) and lasts for up to 15 seconds, usually less. The volts on the gauge show around 13 on start-up and then climbs to 15 by the time the noise stops). Activating the folding mirrors, wipers or headlights before the gauge shows 15 volts causes the volts to drop again and the lights/mirrors won't activate properly. I've asked a few of my fellow 350 owners if they know anything about auto-tensioners and they have drawn a blank. A cursory Google search hasn't led me to any new auto-tensioners either (I like to check prices). The mechanic is self-employed and has been a friend of the family for many years, looking after the cars and has generally been very good in the past. I wouldn't like to think he's having me on, but I can't think what else the problem could be other than a tensioner (given the behaviour of the belts and the source of the noise). Can anyone shed any light on this? Could this part have another name perhaps, or am I just being had? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 The squeal is down to the partly the cold damp weather, and the belts may need adjusting, there is no auto pensioner on the VQ it needs to be manually adjusted to the correct tension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 The VQ35DE has two manual tensioners. The HR has one auto tensioner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliverB Posted December 22, 2016 Author Share Posted December 22, 2016 Thanks gents. I'm hoping he was just using the wrong terminology for a manual tensioner rather than making up bits! He quoted me £50 to replace it including labour. If it's not a total pig to do I could have a crack at it myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy_Baton Posted December 22, 2016 Share Posted December 22, 2016 If your okay with getting the car up on jacks and taking the undertray off, its easy. I can adjust the tensioner by putting my (skinny) arms down behind the radiator and not getting the car up on jacks, you may be able to replace the whole thing that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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