Does the serpentine belt tensioner ever make a clicking or rattling noise as a sign of requiring replacement? I'm hearing a new noise and it seems to be coming from the tensioner.

 

Yes it can. I use a stethoscope or a length of wooden dowel and place one end on the center bolt of the tensioner pulley while the other end is next to my ear. (Next to it, not pointing at it!) This amplifies any noise the tensioner makes so you can confirm it as the source.

 

My dad had to replace the one on his Ram Van 1993. Yes, it does make noise before it seizes up and dies on you.

 

I have a '96 V10 - I am not sure that they are the same exact tensioner but they are all pretty much the same...

I was able to replace the pulley only - it was $16 verses like $60 for the entire tensioner.

And heads up - that bolt that retains the pulley to the tensioner is reverse thread....

 

Cool - thanks guys.

Follow-up....

I replaced the tensioner with a new Dayco unit this morning and all is back to normal. I didn't realize how much noise that old tensioner was making until I got the new one in there.

Something to note - my A/C compressor's clutch engages smoother now that the serp belt has the correct amount of tension on it.