gpgoodpeeps

So Im at the point were im going to replace my tensioner more than likely that or stretch the spring but if I go to the point of removing the side cover to do it probably put a new one in.

The question is will I have to do a timing chain adjustment after putting the new tensioner in right now it just makes a slapping sound.

Just dont know if I can put the new tensioner in and be good to go or not.

JvG

What year is your car. The early ones take a different tensioner than the later ones.

Once you install the tensioner and turn the crank clockwise for one full revolution or so no further adjustments are required.

gpgoodpeeps

1999 maxima se with a 3.0

gpgoodpeeps

I'm gonna take a video of the slapping sound and post in on youtube.

JvG

Those take the later tensioner. Just replace it.

By the way..... it will rattle and sound horrible for a while, till oil gets in there.

Welcome, fellow Oregonian.

gpgoodpeeps

here is the sound it makes I found out that bottom one i was wondering on is for my air conditioner

gpgoodpeeps

and hit btw nice to see some one else from in state.

JvG

If you suspect the tensioner, keep in mind that the power steering pump, the idler pully, and the alternator can all make noise too.

It would suck to replace the tensioner, only to have the noise resume because the other parts have a problem.

So remove the serpentine belt. If the noise stops, your tensioner is ok.

If there is still noise, try to listen if the noise comes from the power steering pump.

JvG

Sounds like the serpentine belt tensioner.

gpgoodpeeps

well in the last 10k miles i have had the following replaced serpentine belt, new starter and alternator so at this point the odds point to power steering pump, or timing chain tensioner.

Although it is possible any one of those parts could have failed in the past 10k miles I start with the power steering pump and pump tensioner first.

gpgoodpeeps

So what test can I perform to determine if its my pump going out or the tensioner on that pump if any one has recommendations ill gladly accept them b4 I go searching google youtube and the forums

JvG

No, the serpentine belt tensioner pulley first.

JvG

Please remove the serpintine belt . The noise might go away. If it does, the tensioner pulley needs to be replaced.

Replacing the timing chain tensioner should be a last resort.

gpgoodpeeps

ill definitely check the pully first

JvG

Also check to see if the crank shaft pulley
(Harmonic balancer) is coming apart. It can rub on the block. This might be your noise.

These cars are generally very dependable. The timing chain tensioner is usually not a problem.

Known issues which might cause the noise are the serpentire belt tenssioner, the water pump, the harmonic balencer, perhaps the alternator.

You have not repaced the setup tensioner and the water pump.

Are you loosing coolant?

gpgoodpeeps

Not loosing any fluids first thing I check when I go to work and look for a wet spot on the ground under my car. The alternator works great since I replaced it at 144k miles so I'd probably say thats eliminated for now.

So will check the pully and the serpentine belt tenssioner, than go to the water pump and harmonic balancer.

I had a valve cover oil leak repaired awhile back but had no problem with leaking since.

Im also about 800 miles away from my next oil change.

gpgoodpeeps

updated video u can hear the sound better in this one the one I was talking about let me know what you think JvG

JvG

That certainly does sound like the tensioner. That is what mine sounded like that after I replaced the water pump. There is a period of time before the tensioner refills with oil. Other members who have replaced their water pump.... does this seem to be the same awful noise we heard after the pump was installed?

DBear

Yep.

OP, you can use a long screwdriver or stethoscope to try to pinpoint the noise more precisely, but it sounds like the tensioner. Your oil level is good, right? I've never had a tensioner fail, so I don't know if it sounds the same as when it isn't fully oiled up yet, but I wonder if your oil pressure isn't way low for some reason. Or maybe the oil channel in the tensioner got plugged up somehow.

gpgoodpeeps

Well after talking with JvG im trying to see if theres a clog first I just did the oil this morning and put 3 quarts of high mile and 1 quart of marvels mystery oil if that dont fix it well than ill replace the tensioner early next month

PH98I30

You wont know where the sound is coming from until you get an auto stethoscope and pin point where the noise is. They are cheap at Harbor freight for about $5. There is too much echoing down there.