Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Does anyone know if the lock nut for the tensioner pulley of the alternator belt should be a specific kind? I need to replace mine as it randomly fell off after the belt was replaced well over a year ago. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

The one on the face of the tensioner? I replaced mine with a metric nut from the local hardware store, it was years ago so I don't remember the specs.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Thanks, Yeah the one in the center of the tensioner pulley.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

I think a flanged nut would be ideal, but anything should do. Maybe throw a washer on if it's just a standard nut.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

I don't remember the exact size of it, but get one of the flanged ones from autozone or like stores. The only way that nut could have fallen off is if it was not tightened when the belt was changed. It will either be a m10x1.25 which I feel is too big, so most likely the m8x1.25 I think. I'd have to hunt around the garage to be sure which it is.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

8X 1.25 is the correct size.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Thanks guys!

I ended up in a pinch to get it fixed up and used a normal nut that I was lucky enough to come across. Will there be any issues with just having a normal nut on there? It was a pain to keep the sliding bolt in a position in which I could tighten the nut, and it would be near impossible to remove it now that it has been tightened all the way.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Update on this! Please help! Pictures are in the links below. My tensioner bolt is obviously not right.... Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to get that sliding washer type thing so it is adjacent to the head of the bolt?

The more I tighten the tensioner, the bigger the awkward gap gets, and this is obviously not good as the sliding washer is just moving and the belt is not being tightened.

Do I loosen it up a whole bunch, force the washer to the top of the bolt, and then tighten it down again?

Pictures
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/92825687/20130314_193641.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/92825687/20130314_193657.jpg

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Loosen the nut on the pulley first, then adjust the tension with the long bolt, then tighten the nut on the pulley to lock it into place. The pulley will NEVER move if the nut on it is tightened down.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Thanks for this. I know the process of tightening it but something is definitely not right with the long bolt. The gap that you can see in the pictures gets larger and larger as I tighten the long bolt.

I am either missing a washer or I need to move the sliding washer. This is where I need help.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/92825687/20130314_193641.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/92825687/20130314_193657.jpg

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

looks fine to me

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Then keep tightening.

dcb

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Did you loosen the nut on the pulley? It looks like it is still tight.

Re: Lock Nut for Tensioner Pulley on Alternator Belt
 

Either the nut on the pulley is still tight, keeping the pulley from moving, or you have the belt SO tight already that it is forcing the washer down. That washer should never move down the spline section. Like Dragoontwo said, it looks like the nut on the pulley is still tight in that picture.