Brand New Serpentine / Drive Belt Tensioner - Tension Test with Torque Wrench

[Snow Wagon]

Hello Forum,
I read somewhere, not sure where, that the tension on a Brand New Serpentine / Drive Belt Tensioner should be around 23 Ft Lbs.
Based on a test I just performed, this is not the case, unless I tested a Bad New Tensioner.

The tension can be tested by using a Torque Wrench and a 14mm Socket, with the Torque Wrench setup for Counterclockwise (Typically Loosening...) Operation.

I tried this test on a Brand New from Toyota Serpentine Belt Tensioner.
Part Number 16620-0W101.

My Torque Wrench clicks prior to the Tensioner moving up until around 13 Ft Lbs.
It Moves a Little at 13 Ft Lbs.
It Moves a Little More at 14 Ft Lbs.
And the Tensioner Fully Moves / Rotates pretty much the entire way at around 15 Ft Lbs.

I test the Tension when doing a Timing Belt / Water Pump Service to make sure I'm not putting back on bad / inadequate parts.

This is the 1st Time I've tested a Brand New One.
If 15 Ft Lbs is the approximate Tension of a Brand New Tensioner, what Tension should be considered bad / not a passing value?

Anyone else doing this test?

Thank you.
Tom

 

[2001LC]

Serp belt tensioner:
1st, is pulley bearing good. No, replace tensioner, when doing a T-belt service.
2nd, is tension of tensioner good. No replace.
3rd, is pulley alignment good. No replace tensioner.

I've not tried reading from torque wrench. But have use a spring scale hook on breaker bar ~18" from 14mm socket on pulley.
I note, lbs. of pull on fish scale at each of the 4 marks. 1) 7.5lbs, 2) 9lbs, 3) 11lbs and 4th mark 12lbs. It's a bit suggestive.

Note: Fish scale or torque wrench. The distance from pulley and pulling slow and stead or fast will change reading (pounds of pull)

Be very critical of fan bracket (FB):
They're only a part cost, when doing a T-belt. But very labor intensive to R&R, otherwise. Personally I rarely reuse FB. I replace if any of three below found:

• FSM states: Any oil seen on seal in back.
• Any play in shaft.
• Any sound from bearing.

See the very minor shine, where seal meets shaft. Replace it. This one was lightly wipe before picture taken.

Belt debris attached to oil.

Very clearly seal leak at only 24K miles and 19 yrs.