Auxiliary belt problem

tanto · Post by **tanto** » 02 Feb 2006, 00:49

hi guys
hope you can help how easy is is to change the Auxiliary belt idle rollers/tensioner

they are the manual adjust type the problem is that the bottom idle roller that the Auxiliary belt goes round is siezed solid and i need to replace it

it is on a n reg 2.0L 16v sx without aircon

so it looks like a trip to the scrappy to get a replacement are the idle rollers all the same or do they vary by model?

thanks

Mandrake · Post by **Mandrake** » 02 Feb 2006, 04:10

The belt layout and idler wheels/bearings are different for the different types of engines, so you would need to at least get one from the same model of engine.

But I have to question the wisdom of replacing a faulty bearing with a second hand one which has done unknown mileage and may fail at any time ? Bearings on belt idler wheels seem to be consumable goods these days...

It's sometimes possible to replace the actual bearings inside the wheel, if you can take the whole idler wheel off the engine and then tap the bearings out it can be a LOT cheaper getting some new bearings from a parts supplier who sells bearings than getting a complete replacement roller....

Not sure if its possible on your engine but someone I know recently did this on the manual tensioner wheel on a 1.9TD - the quoted price for a new idler was $250 (NZ)

but he was able to replace the bearings inside the wheel (it has 3 side by side) with new ones (the correct OEM SKF bearings) for $20

Regards,
Simon

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 02 Feb 2006, 13:32

I have not yet on the BX come across a roller bearing that could not be sourced from a standard machinery supplier. Makes your "new" tensioner wheel very affordable.

As Simon truly points out, I cant see why it would NOT be the same on Xantiae or other Citroens.

They all share the same engine range anyway.

ralph · Post by **ralph** » 02 Feb 2006, 13:43

Just done the manual aux belt tensioner on my TD Xsara. Cost £22 from a French car specialist. Slackened the belt, then undid two allen-key cap bolts and it was off. A simple and cheap repair - hopefully yours is the same.
No problem sourcing the part, and "they had loads in" since they do wear out.