LS3 Squeaky Top Tensioner
Discussion
Slightly surprised at this one given the car is only 2mths old, but hey-ho, these things happen.... the top-most tensioner on the right hand side of the engine (i.e. the one nearest you, level with the top of the rocker cover, when stood on the driver's side of the car) is squeaking like a budgerigar!
It started doing it on start up (then went away after a few secs), but now it squeaks for 10mins plus before going away (it does eventually stop squeaking). Due to the proximity of the swirl pot, air filter and the headers, it's hard to get in there with a can of white grease, but I have been able to get a bit of goo into the back of the tensioner and the squeaking stops. Well for a little while anyway then it's soon back again, but at least I know that's where the noise is coming from now!
Questions.... is it normal for the bearings in these (std GM) tensioners to go so quickly, or am I just unlucky??? And then, are they serviceable? Has anyone removed and managed to re-grease one successfully?
Thanks chaps, this needs sorting as it's embarrassing having a squeaky Ultima
It started doing it on start up (then went away after a few secs), but now it squeaks for 10mins plus before going away (it does eventually stop squeaking). Due to the proximity of the swirl pot, air filter and the headers, it's hard to get in there with a can of white grease, but I have been able to get a bit of goo into the back of the tensioner and the squeaking stops. Well for a little while anyway then it's soon back again, but at least I know that's where the noise is coming from now!
Questions.... is it normal for the bearings in these (std GM) tensioners to go so quickly, or am I just unlucky??? And then, are they serviceable? Has anyone removed and managed to re-grease one successfully?
Thanks chaps, this needs sorting as it's embarrassing having a squeaky Ultima
Try a little squirt of WD40 on the belt and I suspect the squeak will go away too.
Very unlikely the tensioner bearing. More likely the tensioner is not quite square with the belt. Had this with my first attempt with the idler bolt fixing. Made a fresh one and squeak disappeared never to return.
Paul
Very unlikely the tensioner bearing. More likely the tensioner is not quite square with the belt. Had this with my first attempt with the idler bolt fixing. Made a fresh one and squeak disappeared never to return.
Paul
My LS7 had squeaking belts (when cold) and a couple of faulty standard GM bearings within a couple of months on the road. Fortunately both sorted under warranty - very good service from American Speed, thanks guys.
I didn't do the work myself - it is very tight in there for an LS7. Mine were the lower ones and the fuel line switch box had to be removed to gain access.
My bearings were sealed units so cannot be greased - not sure about the LS3. Mine had to be replaced.
I was told that it is not unusual. The bearings can go quickly. If they don't go quickly they last a very long time.
I didn't do the work myself - it is very tight in there for an LS7. Mine were the lower ones and the fuel line switch box had to be removed to gain access.
My bearings were sealed units so cannot be greased - not sure about the LS3. Mine had to be replaced.
I was told that it is not unusual. The bearings can go quickly. If they don't go quickly they last a very long time.
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