Weird problem with alternator tensioner/pulley - C4 2.0 16V petrol

[SuperMajinBuu]

Hi. I need some expertise opinion. Was driving along the highway. The alternator belt came off. When having a deeper inspection at home I noticed that it's not the belt that was torn but the tensioner was crooked. After even further inspection I noticed a hairline fracture on the big metal part where the tensioner is attached. The tensioner wobbles around freely. Could this be potentially car killing? After looking at some engine schemes it seems that it's just a large metal part and you can only get it from Citroen (guy in the parts shop told me that). I was thinking to find the same part from a scrap car. What is this big part anyway and what happens if I take it out?

When I was trying to unscrew things the first obstacle were the star/torx bolts in the picture. I cannot get them undone. If I take that blue metal thing off there is a rubber thing underneath and it is connected to the big metal part that I am trying to get out. If anyone could shed some light on this I would be very grateful.

Pic links down below. The model is C4 Petrol 2.0 16V (100 KW) - 2005 year, 3-door coupe.


https://imgshare.io/image/H7W70


https://imgshare.io/image/H7FdI


https://imgshare.io/image/H7Ut1


https://imgshare.io/image/H77Zb


https://imgshare.io/image/H7Plh

[GiveMeABreak]

It’s best to pop your VIN up here and I’ll be able to get some correct parts diagrams for you.

[SuperMajinBuu]

Thanks for the reply!
VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so it looks like it’s the alternator bracket that has cracked (number 2 on the diagram). You’ll also need a new roller (number 5) when replacing this.

The bracket is priced at £87 (UK) which includes our VAT at 20%, so may be less with your local dealer.

Click to picture to Zoom and clarify

[myglaren]

Certainly won't be cheaper in Sweden Marc

[GiveMeABreak]

Ja to be sure

[SuperMajinBuu]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, mechanics in Stockholm are a rip off. They charge 50 euros to change a turn signal lightbulb. No joke
It is indeed that number 2 part. I might get one off a parts vehicle. Or do you think it's wiser to buy a new bracket? Can you buy it at OEM parts suppliers or only authorised Citroen workshops?

I can change the belt and rollers but changing this bracket might be beyond my skills. A person at another forum suggested that I need a floor jack or engine support bracket which I don't have.

Anyways, I will do some calls tomorrow and see what I can find.
Should I replace the other roller (number 6) as well?

Thanks for all the help! I want to learn to fix my own cars but not very good at it. And I like this car.

[xantia_v6]

I might be wrong, but looking at the photos and diagrams, I think that it is number 6 that is broken, which is part of the tensioner assembly. Look at the relative position of the A/C pulley, the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley.

It is not obvious from the diagram whether a lot of dismantling is needed to replace the tensioner. Even the alternator bracket looks to come off fairly easily one the alternator is removed.

[SuperMajinBuu]

You might be onto something here. It is definitely number 6 that is wobbly. But when I looked at it as much as I could see is that the broken part is on the number 2 bracket and not on the roller/tensioner. I could try to take better pictures tomorrow but it's hard to access.

[xantia_v6]

I suggest that you remove the tensioner assembly (it looks like there are only 2 bolts), and everything should become much clearer.

[RichardW]

I concur, Mike, looks like the tensioner to me - and anyway the bracket is not item 2 in the diag above, that is further forward. The big bracket in the pic is the engine mount - don't try removing that unless you are sure what's going to happen - at the very least you will need to support the engine.

[SuperMajinBuu]

Hi Richard, thanks for the reply.
In that case could be car killing if it's the engine bracket. It does seem that the diag above is not complete because on that one number 5 roller is connected to that bracket and the crack is near where the number 6 is attached. I will take the front right wheel of today and remove the plastic shield/cover to see if I can see anything from there. It is a problem this engine with unacessible parts. I also have a mechanic coming tomorrow and looking at it for a second opinion. Hopefully it's just the tensioner.

[RichardW]

I'm sure it's not car killing!! I'll have a look later to see if there is a procedure for the tensioner change. The engine mount is still available, £125 from Citroen in UK - but I really think it's *just* the tensioner - but that is £105.71 from Citroen here. Part no 575161 - there are lots on e-bay uk for much less than that!

[GiveMeABreak]

I concur, Mike, looks like the tensioner to me - and anyway the bracket is not item 2 in the diag above, that is further forward. The big bracket in the pic is the engine mount - don't try removing that unless you are sure what's going to happen - at the very least you will need to support the engine.

Just going on what No 2 is is officially described as "Alternator Bracket" as shown on the diagram - I find it avoids confusion Richard

[bobins]

The large bracket that you've circled the top of in the engine diagram is part 9 in the diagram below.
A generic search on C4 2.0 16V gives it as part number 184699

Engine bracket - PSA, fair use