Drive Belt Tensioner and Pulley

[2006aveo]

When you guys replace your drive (accessory) belt tensioner, do you:

a) purchase just a pulley... replacing just the pulley, leave and reuse the old bracket and, thus, reuse the old actual tensioner

b) purchase the pulley/bracket assembly... replacing everything

I think I am seeing both available for purchase. Pro's/Con's either way? Can you 'test' the old tensioner and/or tell if it still has life in it? My car's at around 80k miles.

If opting for just the new pulley, can the new pulley be installed without having to remove the bracket from the engine? I cant tell how it fastens to/behind the bracket if you'll need to hold a nut back there or if it threads into the bracket itself. Can anyone elaborate.

And just to gripe and vent, why the heck didn't they tap the crankshaft pulley so we could thread two bolts into it to hold it and keep it from spinning for bolt removal/install??? Arghh!?!?

[Aveo5_boy]

And just to gripe and vent, why the heck didn't they tap the crankshaft pulley so we could thread two bolts into it to hold it and keep it from spinning for bolt removal/install??? Arghh!?!?

It comes out real easy with an impact wrench.

[Scanman]

My tensioner's plastic spring housing broke. The entire assembly (Bracket, Spring, & pulley) is only three bolts. They were difficult to reach, but not a really tough job. IMHO, if the pulley is bad, the spring is also worn out. I'd recommend replacing the entire assembly & the belt.

I didn't have any trouble with my crankshaft bolt either, but it may help to put the car in low gear & put the emergency brake on to hold the car still, if it's really that tight. You aren't removing it to replace that tensioner, are you? I don't remember that being necessary.

[2006aveo]

Thanks for the insight.

You aren't removing it to replace that tensioner, are you? I don't remember that being necessary.

==> Nah, I know I dont need to do that. I'm doing both timing belt, drive belt, all the pulleys, water pump, this weekend... so I have everything on my mind at the moment. I've never tackled crank bolts on the Aveo, only other cars, and they were always a pain. Sounds like the Aveo's aren't torqued down too crazy. Guess I need to look up the torque spec anyway.

[Scanman]

I found this to be really good info about the timing belt installation procedure itself. I've not had a problem with any of mine.

Ask if you have any questions.

Timing belt

[Aveo5_boy]

Timing belt thread posted here is also really good http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f94/t...rite-up-10284/ it really helped me with my timing belt change.