Belt tensioner position, which is correct, top or bottom?

[paultt]

I am looking to build a belt tensioner for my RS. I have an extensive shop.
I have trawled though all the forums, learnt a little bit. Tensioner position is never mentioned.
I am wondering if having the tensioner mounted on the top run of the belt, the drive or tension side, is the best place for it? Surely the slack in the belt would be in the bottom run? So that should be the place to apply the tensioner?
Your thoughts please people.
thanks Paul

 

[MONK]

I don't know anything about the RS's; but the tensioner runs on the top of the belt on the RT's. Not sure how much engineering goes into a belt tensioner to determine the correct amount of leverage, but I think I'd just buy one from one of our forum sponsors as they've probably done their homework.

 

[MNF3]

Tensioner is a misnomer. It is actually a harmonic dampener. That is the reason it runs on the top of the belt, as that is where you are most likely to get the resonance. All of the solutions out there have the roller running on top.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

IMHO, due to more than a few product failures, as reported on this forum (which is likely to ruin the drive belt!) I won't use one - Period! I lowered my belt tension to 160 lbs (measured with the wheel on the ground) and I no longer feel any Vibes at any speeds... Good luck! ..... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Freddy]

Haven't you checked back?

http://www.spyderryders.net.au/forum/index.php?topic=802.msg4296#new

 

[JP58]

I've had a bottom one and top one. Top works better. I think a solid idler pully would work better like you see on automotive drive fan belts. With large heavy duty bearings. One on top and bottom. That would act as if the belt was half the size. Bet there wouldn't be any vibes at all.

 

[Grandpot]

I've had top and bottom. I prefer top. Instead of using the small roller and bearing, which by design rotate at very high rpm, I am using a timing belt pulley from a Hyundai Sonoma. It is 2" in diameter with a very high-quality bearing. It's been working well for several years.

 

[JP58]

I've had top and bottom. I prefer top. Instead of using the small roller and bearing, which by design rotate at very high rpm, I am using a timing belt pulley from a Hyundai Sonoma. It is 2" in diameter with a very high-quality bearing. It's been working well for several years.

Picture? Part number? Also, does it fit the BRP tensioner arm?

 

[Grandpot]

Picture? Part number? Also, does it fit the BRP tensioner arm?

I don't have a part number. It is a timing belt pulley from a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. Do not confuse with the serpentine belt idler pulley.

 

[JP58]

Grandpot, it looks like you have Doc Humphreys tension arm on there?

 

[Grandpot]

Yes, JP58, I do. The roller and bearing now turn at half the speed the original did. The larger diameter, smooth roller doesn't whine as it rolls over the ribs on the old-style belts.

 

[LifeLongRider]

..... I won't use one - Period! I lowered my belt tension to 160 lbs (measured with the wheel on the ground) and I no longer feel any Vibes at any speeds.....

:agree: Same here!

 

[gerald37]

I sure wish you could come up with the part number or where it could be purchased.

 

[sandman53]

I have been researching this and this is what I think. E-bay Pulley Idler FEBEST 1288-H1 OEM SMD 156604

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I sure wish you could come up with the part number or where it could be purchased.

Part # for what? Sometimes it really does help to quote the pertinent part of the post you are replying to! :thumbup:

 

[gerald37]

Grandpot's post. Part # of the 2" diameter pulley from a Hyundai Sonoma.

 

[gerald37]

I have been researching this and this is what I think. E-bay Pulley Idler FEBEST 1288-H1 OEM SMD 156604

I did check Ebay and the roller looks like it might work.

 

[Grandpot]

I sure wish you could come up with the part number or where it could be purchased.

Go to an autoparts store and tell them you want a timing belt tension pulley for a 2005 Hyundai Sant Fe with a 2.7L engine. You don't need a part number.