Got squeaky noises with the engine running, feel sure its the A/C belt tensioner.

So a few questions:-

1. Think there is a Main Belt Tensioner and an A/C Belt Tensioner, is this correct?
2. Are they both easy to change? (I replaced the A/C Compressor a few years ago, so I have some idea about the serpintine belt)
3. Is it best change both tensioners?
4. Is it worth changing the belts too?

As I'm in the UK there are few GM spares stocks around, an no dealerships, so it takes ages to get stuff, just need to make sure I get everything.

PS

I see pulleys are available both grooved and plain, so many choices!

Any advice very much appreciated!

 

The Ac one is a little more difficult than the top one. The top one is easy 15 minute repair. The Ac one you might have to pull the skid or the inner fender liner to access it. Could be done from the top but doesnt look fun.

 

I just replaced both belts the tensioners and the idler pully with GATES brand kits last week. I removed the fan and clutch and the fan shroud. so I did it from the top. but if you are just concerned about the AC belt and tensioner it looks to be a lot simpler from underneath if you remove the front skid plate.

 

Thanks for the tips everyone!

 

Make sure you have all the idle pulley , tensioner and belts
You want to replace all them at same time .
It is an easy job . No need to remove the Fan clutch . It will make the job easier but it is a pain to remove it
Also be sure you hummer have the diagram for the belts . Should be in a label in front the radiator .
Also inspect the water hoses once you there
And yes the ac belt needs to be done from bottom removing the skid plate
Good luck

 

Much appreciated - will do!

 

Sorry for the delay. I eventually got all the bits together and did all the work today, it took an hour.
Parts needed:

• 1 x Main Belt Idler pulley
• 1 x Main Belt Tensioner
• 1 x Main Belt
• 1 x A/C Belt Tensioner
• 1 x A/C Belt.

Parts came from Rockauto P/No DAYCO KIT82BCK


So sequence was:-

1. Remove air intake manifold ( 2 x clips 8mm wrench)
2. Remove main drive belt.
3. Remove idler pulley (1x Bolt 15mm wrench)
4. Remove Main Drive Belt Tensioner (3 x Bolts 15mm wrench)
5. Remove A/C belt.
6. Remove AC Belt Tensioner (2 x Bolts 15mm wrench)
7. Reverse the above for re-assembly

All the work was done from above, no need to remove the skid plate, job was made easier with the Main Drive Belt Tensioner removed.

As suspected the squeeky noise came from the A/C Belt Tensioner, its bearing was shot also the belt was beginning to crack.

Only issue was with the Idler Puller, the DAYCO part had a different profile so the cover didnt match the profile (there seems to be two types)

Other than that job done!

 

How long did the job take you Oceanbrave? I ordered a Gates Kit from Rockauto and have not gotten to it yet with all the other work i have been doing. Did you remove the fan clutch? How do you guys work on the H2 from on top? With a step ladder? hood comes off?

 

You really are busy with your truck, hope you've fixed the brake problem etc?

Most of your questions have already been answered in this thread, but hey I know you're busy In short it took about 1 hour, there is no need to remove the fan-clutch, skid-plate or hood and all the work can be done from above, I used a plastic folding stool to stand on.

Wished I'd shot a video

Compared to the work you've already done (my hat's off to you) you should find this very easy. Just check all the new parts match before you start, my idler pulley was different which was the biggest snag.

My old A/C Belt Tensioner was "singing like a canary" and so annoying, now I find the replacement occasionally does the same, so I question its quality of it's bearings, next time I'll go for an ACD part.

Good luck!

 

Oh what do you know, on the subject!