Belt Tensioner 2002 Ford Escort problems

have a 2002 Ford Escort 2.0L My problem is that the belt tensioner keeps bouncing back slightly making a not too loud noise, but noticeable clatter. Its as if the belt tensioner isnt tensioning enough or the force of the belt is pushing it back. I replaced the tensioner and belt and still the same problem. Anyone have any ideas whats wrong here? AllData manual shows that its a simple procedure to change belt and that belt tensioner puts the correct tension no matter what. Im totally lost here. Would appreciate any help or ideas as what could the problem be.
E.T.

"E.T." > wrote in message news:499b1444-
have a 2002 Ford Escort 2.0L My problem is that the belt tensioner
keeps bouncing back slightly making a not too loud noise, but
noticeable clatter. Its as if the belt tensioner isnt tensioning
enough or the force of the belt is pushing it back. I replaced the
tensioner and belt and still the same problem. Anyone have any ideas
whats wrong here? AllData manual shows that its a simple procedure to
change belt and that belt tensioner puts the correct tension no matter
what. Im totally lost here. Would appreciate any help or ideas as what
could the problem be.

-------------

The question is if it did this when the vehicle was new?

If not, then I would look at other things the belt drives. Like A/C.
Are the A/C pressures correct. Or maybe the bearings going out on
something the belt is driving like alternator, power steering, A/C????

i.e. Is something placing a large load on the belt?

Also might want to check to see if there is a factory notice about
this problem.

well i replaced the alternator a few years ago..a cheepo from autozone. Maybe
its the AC? However when the AC is turned on, you can hear the engine take a
load and the clattering noise gets louder. It stops once its turned off.

On Mon, 1 Aug 2011 13:12:03 +0000 (UTC), >
wrote:

>well i replaced the alternator a few years ago..a cheepo from autozone. Maybe
>its the AC? However when the AC is turned on, you can hear the engine take a
>load and the clattering noise gets louder. It stops once its turned off.

Put a stethoscope on the alt and compressor to see if you can detect
anything.
But the most likely cause is the pulley on the idler arm.
Loading the AC pulley also loads the idler pulley.
That's been my experience.
You can squirt some oil in there (don't get it on the belt) and work
it in by spinning it and see if that stops it for a bit.
But the pulley bearing is "permanently lubed" so that won't last
long.

--Vic

On Jul 30, 5:25*am, "E.T." > wrote:
> have a 2002 Ford Escort 2.0L My problem is that the belt tensioner keeps bouncing back slightly making a not too loud noise, but noticeable clatter. Its as if the belt tensioner isnt tensioning enough or the force of the belt is pushing it back. I replaced the tensioner and belt and still the same problem. Anyone have any ideas whats wrong here? AllData manual shows that its a simple procedure to change belt and that belt tensioner puts the correct tension no matter what. Im totally lost here. Would appreciate any help or ideas as what could the problem be.
> E.T.

A new tensioner assembly a new belt should fix you right up.
HTH,
Ben

On Jul 30, 8:25*am, "E.T." > wrote:
> have a 2002 Ford Escort 2.0L My problem is that the belt tensioner keeps bouncing back slightly making a not too loud noise, but noticeable clatter. Its as if the belt tensioner isnt tensioning enough or the force of the belt is pushing it back. I replaced the tensioner and belt and still the same problem. Anyone have any ideas whats wrong here? AllData manual shows that its a simple procedure to change belt and that belt tensioner puts the correct tension no matter what. Im totally lost here. Would appreciate any help or ideas as what could the problem be.
> E.T.

We had a similar problem with a customer who installed a tensioner..
come to find out his a/c clutch pulley was dragging causing the belt
to jump.

check all other pulleys to make sure they are moving freely. also
make sure you have the correct size belt. THe dayco # is 5060505 which
should be a 50.5" belt.

Chas

ok i found the problem yesterday (not too long after posting my first query)
the power steering pump broke down and started leaking oil everywhere. I had
forgotten that the power steering was in the the chain of pulleys and most
likely that was the drag being caused. Cause now...even tho there is no power
assist in turning...the car is quiet in the belt area and the tensioner doesnt
bounce back.