Hello again lads.

A small "thunk" from under the right side of the hood, the dash lights up like a christmas tree, and the power steering goes out.

The serpentine belt tensioner was laying open like a dead clam. I've installed two, there was the original, and the one I ordered tonight will make four.

Are these parts cursed? I'm probably buying inferior quality stuff... Only 177,000 miles now. I'm glad I wasn't too far from home.

- thumbs

Where did you buy these parts? I have never heard of a tensioner failing like that. Usually, the bearing on the tensioner roller fails, after a million miles or so :)

You could probably do better going to a Pick & pull and finding a tensioner for $10.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

I've never had a pulley bearing fail.

One time I had the main pulley on the crank shaft somehow go out of round. I think some rubber in it broke down from heat or wear. That wiped out the tensioner and the belt. Then last night was the second time the spring housing broke open and everything popped out.

They were new parts, but I frankly don't remember where I got them. The new tensioner is coming from FCP Euro. I shopped around and they had the best price.

Hopefully, this will be the last time replacing this part.

- thumbs

and fcp gives you lifetime warranty, no questions, no hassle.
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The Family Fleet: 90 745; 96 855T; 99 XC. nearing 900,000, thanks BB and M1

Look at the dead belt/s for signs of damage or wear. Four dead belts
sounds too weird, even if it's Auto Zone quality. What brand belt are you
installing?

Check each sprocket and make sure they are clean and spin nice.
Check for binds at the drive and idler sprockets .
After installation watch the belt run, look and listen carefully for anything
abnormal. The belt should run smooth.

You may have answered your own question. Most aftermarket parts are not worth installing. In general, it seems that inexpensive sealed bearings come without any grease in them.

Greg