frozen bolt on belt tensioner

[jimoldguy]

anybody have a frozen bolt on belt tensioner

 

[LBridges]

Just in case (since I do dumb stuff all the time)... Pretty sure belt tensioner has left hand threads, - are you trying to turn the correct way?

 

[tbisaacs]

I just did This job - mine was just full of mud but otherwise had no issues getting it off.

Builds - Travis’s PNW LX570

Let me know if you want to check out my tents. What do you have?

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[TonyP]

Just in case (since I do dumb stuff all the time)... Pretty sure belt tensioner has left hand threads, - are you trying to turn the correct way?

This. The tensioner is left hand thread.
I believe the idler is normal thread. (not 100% on the idler)

 

[tbisaacs]

Idler is normal thread

 

[jimoldguy]

where did you find that information? It's something I'd never expect on a non rotating part. Thanks

 

[nwfl4runner]

You talking about the hex bolt in the middle? I just replaced mine this pas weekend and recall it as a normal RH thread, but was a bit rusted. It’s only torqued to 17ftlb.

I hit with some PB blaster and used a pick to clear the hole out.

my recollection is the tensioner bearing is LHT which is how you clock it

 

[jimoldguy]

Correct: the mounting bolt with an Allen- Torx head. I understand that the bearing may be left hand threads, but mounting bolts??

 

[nwfl4runner]

Correct: the mounting bolt with an Allen- Torx head. I understand that the bearing may be left hand threads, but mounting bolts??

Correct, RHT for the mounting bolts.

 

[bloc]

Did it turn some then seize up?

Or can’t get it moving in the first place? If it won’t move at all try tightening it slightly. Sometimes this helps crack things loose.

And yes, normal thread direction. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to torque it when I did mine recently, and I torque everything.

 

[jimoldguy]

it moved a little (very little) and then the head started stripping out so I retightened and just changed the idler pulley with the belt. The bearing and pulley seemed good even with 140,000 miles, but I'll have to replace it eventually.

 

[bloc]

it moved a little (very little) and then the head started stripping out so I retightened and just changed the idler pulley with the belt. The bearing and pulley seemed good even with 140,000 miles, but I'll have to replace it eventually.

Ah yeah, that’s not great. Did you dig the dirt out of the Allen hole before messing with it? Mine had a fair bit in there preventing the Allen socket from seating all the way.

 

[jimoldguy]

Thanks for all the reply's. It's back together on the old tensioner and pully with a new idler, new belt, hoses, and thermostat. If no noise comes: I'll dive back in at 200,000 miles. I was working a little blind so did not realize there could be dirt build up. That's a real duh on my part. Still learning at 72.

 

[nwfl4runner]

It’s because whoever invented a black oxide internal hex bolt was a jerk

 

[jimoldguy]

thanks; I needed that! nothing like a good laugh. Misery loves company.