Belt Tensioner 1jz How to adjust???

**seamonsta** · 19-11-2007, 11:13 AM

Hi, replacing the accessories belt (aircon,P/S, alternator etc) on 1jz but can't work out how you adjust or loosen off the tensioner. I am assuming the tensioner is the arm directly below where the cam gears are (tell me if not) so can someone help explain how to do it. I know it will end up being something simple, but without a workshop manual i don't want to make a mistake and please only respond if you have actually done it, I can guess plenty of ways myself.

**Draven** · 19-11-2007, 11:25 AM

There are 2 types of these on 1Js.

One type has 2 bolt-threads coming off it, and you can just wedge a screwdriver in between the 2 and twist.

The other type you just get a breaker bar and appropriately sized socket, attach to the bolt-head visible at the centre of the pulley, and twist

Other people seem to use a combination of several screwdrivers, like I did until I realised the socket method

**takai** · 19-11-2007, 11:28 AM

Basically you have to put a special service tool into the front of the arm and use a breaker bar.
Ive seen/heard of people using a breaker bar as leverage and just levering it out of the way.

Once its levered out then you put a little pin into a hole in the lower front and it locks up out of the way. Once you have finished with doing stuff you pull the pin and it retensions.

**seamonsta** · 19-11-2007, 12:01 PM

Thanks Draven and Takai, didn't realise there was no need to actually remove anything, done now and I am a bit wiser as well ++ Rep for you two.

**Esselte** · 07-02-2016, 02:05 PM

Hi,

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but I'm currently trying to replace the alternator on my jzx100 1jz vvti, and I bought a new OEM serp belt while at it, but I'm having trouble releasing the serpentine belt tensioner.

The nut on the front seems to turn easily when tightening it - I thought it should lock up and move the actual tensioner. Wondering if my tensioner is broken, or, given there are a few types, a previous owner or mechanic possibly matched it for some other type that releases differently (noticed there are a few similar ones on 1jz and 2jz, even a ford one is compatible), and that's why turning the nut isn't releasing it.

Hope this isn't against the forum rules, but I asked the question yesterday on jzx100, and thought I'd see if anyone on toymods could add some more clarity -
http://www.jzx100.com/forum/topic/16...ing-tensioner/

I'm not sure whether I should just keep tightening the nut, I only turned it a little and stopped there as it didn't seem right that it turned readily.

If it is stuffed and I have to replace the whole thing, can someone point me to a good thread showing how to? I'll prob get that cheap ford unit if so (although I wasn't sure if that was just the bearing or the whole tensioner unit, looks like maybe the whole unit is interchangeable, see here http://www.jzx100.com/forum/topic/15...y-replacement/)

Thanks heaps for any advice,

Dan

**dnegative** · 07-02-2016, 06:34 PM

You have to loosen it from underneath; If you try from up top it doesnt work.
14mm socket on a ratchet, go from underneath the car, pull towards the alternator.

Yeah ED Falcon V8 pulley works, its not perfect as its a little bigger but it works just as good.
If you have the metal pulley already (idk if its just the 2JZ that has one) just smash a new bearing in it.

**Esselte** · 07-02-2016, 08:28 PM

Ok cool, I'll try from underneath, although I would guess the nut will just spin. At least I'm certain you turn it clockwise, I'll try next time i'm at the car, and if that doesn't work, I'll get the tensioner unit off, and see what I can do.

If the thread that holds that nut is stripped, I guess I need a whole new tensioner unit? Changing the bearing won't fix that right?

Mine looks metal, here's a pic - http://s14.postimg.org/uyjnuvk0x/tensioner_nut.jpg

**madmont** · 08-02-2016, 09:12 AM

I am a bit cramped for room so I made a special spanner for it. Welded 500mm length of 30x6 bar to a ring spanner. Works well.

**Esselte** · 08-02-2016, 11:39 AM

ha, cool, i'm all for the ghetto DIY.

Well i think the thread on mine is stuffed so I ordered an aftermarket tensioner unit that I'm told works - a Dayco part, part number 89303 - (Bursons retail them among others). Figure it's not worth chancing it failing if the thread is stuffed. Price isn't terrible ($130).

That part is for a 2JZ-GE technically but I'm told it works fine. Will confirm when i get a chance to chuck it in.

**Esselte** · 15-02-2016, 11:33 PM

Well, fitted the new tensioner and serp belt on today (along with some other things).

Here's a video showing how the old tensioner didn't release as it is supposed to, in case this happens to others. You can see how the nut just spins and doesn't move the tensioner, and if you look closely you can see part of the pulley spins with the nut.

https://youtu.be/k0Iphg4QAcQ

The Dayco part above fit fine (part number 89303), was pretty tight getting the belt on, had to have someone help breaker bar the tensioner to release it and me get underneath with a screwdriver to slide it on to the tensioner - tried from above but couldn't get it. Didn't have to take the thermo fan or rad out in the end, but i'm sure it would've made it easier.

The Dayco tensioner has a 15mm nut on the front instead of a 14mm.

New tensioner fitted:

wo belt -

with belt -

Far as I can tell, that Dayco unit will be fine. It does look like the tensioner doesn't actually adjust all the way out to the position it is when it has no belt on; i hope that doesn't affect the spring mechanism, if it's constantly half-depressed, but I assume that's how they're made to operate. Will update if it dies on me.

Cheers,
Dan

**xconcepts** · 01-09-2016, 07:47 PM

So just bumping this old thread cause I'm wondering if anyone would be able to acquire a repco or holden tensioner and ship it to me in Japan? I really don't feel like paying 26000yen for a toyota one or a aftermarket for 18500yen. I tried looking for a similar one online through a US site but no luck