# New Tensioner Vibrates - is this normal?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tensioner-vibrates-is-this-normal/65708>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** chevrolet, suburban\
**Created:** [June 25, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tensioner-vibrates-is-this-normal/65708 "2011-06-25T18:47:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![popof9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5fc32e/32.png) [@popof9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/popof9)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tensioner-vibrates-is-this-normal/65708/1 "2011-06-25T18:47:55Z")

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I installed a new serpentine belt tensioner into my 1994 Chevy Suburban C1500. It vibrated as much as the old one did, so I assumed that a bit of vibration is normal and forgot about it. Well, after recently looking at some instructional videos, I am now under the impression that any vibration in the tensioner is bad. Here is what is going on – [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aECDdNFZ6Q4](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aECDdNFZ6Q4)

Is it OK or should I get another new tensioner?

Any thoughts?

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**Author:** ![chaissos](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/chaissos/32/2347_2.png) [@chaissos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chaissos)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tensioner-vibrates-is-this-normal/65708/2 "2011-06-25T20:46:12Z")

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Looks pretty normal to me. 🙂 Left \<-\> right is OK…forward and back is bad. Unless you have a perfectly smooth motor, there will be some movement.

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**Author:** ![popof9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5fc32e/32.png) [@popof9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/popof9)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 10:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tensioner-vibrates-is-this-normal/65708/3 "2011-06-25T22:35:21Z")

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ok great. Thanks!

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**Author:** ![cappy208](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cappy208/32/31_2.png) [@cappy208](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cappy208)\
**Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 11:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tensioner-vibrates-is-this-normal/65708/4 "2011-06-25T23:53:57Z")

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When you removed the old one did you thoroughly clean the block the the new one mounted to? I usually take an old piece of sandpaper and clean up any aluminum or rust oxide off the mounting flange to make sure it fits clean and tight.

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**Author:** ![popof9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5fc32e/32.png) [@popof9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/popof9)\
**Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 2:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tensioner-vibrates-is-this-normal/65708/5 "2011-06-26T14:53:09Z")

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That is a great idea. I’ll be sure to do that next time.