I've taken over ownership and maintenance on a 99 Regal GS, 102K, always garaged and fairly well maintained since new. It's at "My Guy" for some work I don't like to do (brake and fuel hard lines *). My Guy says it needs accessory belts (he says there are two, I haven't checked yet), so I went to Rock Auto and started looking at belts. Rock Auto offers a kit that includes the tensioner, and notes that tensioners fail too and they should be replaced when the belts are replaced. Should I fall for the upsell? I've replaced serpentine belts before but never a tensioner, and I've never seen a bad one. This one has probably never been done. I'll probably have kid #2 drive the car back and forth to high school next Spring. He doesn't care at all about cars (which is fine), and I'd like the car to be problem free on the Beltway.
* I found that the lines are super rusty when replacing the original struts this weekend. Easiest. Strut job. Ever.
One the 3.8, yes, the tensioner has a habit of going cockeyed.
It should only have two belts if it is supercharged.
If this is a 3800 engine. While doing the belt also replace the coolant elbow and splurge on the metal version Vs the plastic version.
That means $6 part Vs $4 part.
This elbow is the weak link of the 3800 but an easy fix. If doing the tensioner, you're already there.
Previous GRM chatter about elbow.
First, congratulations on the "belt and suspenders" reference...not used enough IMHO.
I'd decide by answering the following two questions...
1. What percent increase to the job's total cost would the tensioner add.
2. Does Rock Auto give the same advice for other, unrealted cars.
Yes, replace the tensioner. When I replaced the belt on my old P71, I also ordered a tensioner just in case. Good thing I did, as mine was just starting to go. I know they're not cheap as chips, but its nice to know a failing tensioner isn't going to FUBAR your new belt.
Belts, tensioner, and metal coolant elbow.
Got it. Will do.
...and rear control arms. And speakers. And the fuel filler hose. And muffler. And...
W body strut cartriges are so stupid easy with the right tool. Right out the top. My 94 lumina was literally 10 minutes per side on the front. I think i gave the special tool set to my buddy who still has several w bodies
