I have an 89 300TE, had to have an alternator replaced 4 months ago in the middle of Oklahoma, the shop got the alternator from an Advance Auto, and the other day it failed, I have since replaced the alternator with a Bosch, taking the old off and putting the new on I did not have to use the tensioner, I was able to get the belt off and on without using it. Is my tensioner ready for replacement? Do I have to take the fan and shroud off to replace the tensioner?? Do I need a special tool for the fan?? Could a bad tensioner cause an alternator to go bad in 12000 miles??

Thanks for all your help

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'05 Ford Escape 100,000 miles
'87 560SL 92000 miles
'89 300TE 199,000 miles
'02 Audi TT 100,000 miles
'00 Ford Excursion V-10 121000 miles
'92 Mercury Capri 100000 miles
'02 BMW 325XI 60000 miles
'92 230CE 160000
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'93 Rinker Captiva 209
5 Kids
2 Dogs
1 Wife