is the tensioner suppose to work this way?

[oz16us]

I purchase my ST a month ago and noticed that the tensioner was wobbling...to be honest, i didn't think it really had an effect on the belt since there was no sound coming from it.... I even brought it to Pep Boys and they said there is nothing wrong with it. Either way, I decided to change out the idle pulley along with the tensioner and still the tensioner wobbles.... is this how it's designed or should I try going with 1/2 inch shorter belt?

 

[Bobmbx]

Can you describe the wobble a little better?

 

[oz16us]

I took a video but it's hard to notice it when the cam is 2ft away. The wobble goes in the direction of unloading the tensioner, not having anything to do with the way it is bolted in. Thinking if this is the way these tensioners are designed...

 

[swshawaii]

1/2" shorter belt stopped tensioner movement, start up noise, and high speed floating on mine. It's the OEM belt on the Gen 2 ST with the 4.0L SOHC V6. Search the "other" ST forum, many Gen 1 owners are using the 86" belt with success.

 

[2000StreetRod]

harmonic balancer?

Make sure that the outer section of the harmonic balancer is not separating from the inner section: Harmonic balancer failure

 

[oz16us]

Make sure that the outer section of the harmonic balancer is not separating from the inner section: Harmonic balancer failure

yes, i don't think it's the harmonic balancer issue....it might be that i need a 1/2 shorter belt, but to be honest, it's not making any noise or causing a problem...the tensioner just seems to be moving 1/4 inch back and forth

 

[05dakotatrac]

a minor "bounce" in and out is ok im talking in the realm of 1/8" but if its upwards of 1/4" plus i would check around for damaged pulleys or balancer