Drive Belt Tensioner
 

Does the drive belt tensioner on a 971 engine have to be replaced when it get worn or do you just replace the bolt that goes through it. I would think both parts would wear unless there was a bushing or something in it. The EPC does not show a bushing.

This is in reference to the 95? Anyways, it is the same tensioner system as the 98 in your signature.

The tensioner is part #350 whihc is the spring.

I suspect your question pertains to the pivot lever, part #290 and bolt #296?

The pivot lever is cast alum with a brass(?) sleeve/insert inside it that appears to be designed to be sacrificial. The pivot pin (bolt) is hard steel and does not wear. On my 99 it requires a 17mm hex to loosen the pivot pin.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=140134&M=603%2E971&GA=722%2E367&CT=M&cat=503&SID=20&SGR=045&SGN=03

Yes this is for the '95. The pivot lever has some slack where the bolt #296 goes through it. Making a rattling noise. I take it that I only need the lever and not the bolt? I guess there is nothing replaceable on the lever, like a bushing or something?

The sleeve in the pivot arm wears out of round. The sleeve is not sold separately.

There was what appeared to be a factory coating inside the sleeve when I replaced mine and for that reason I only lightly lubed it prior to installing. If I were to do it again I'd use more lube.......