HOW TO REPLACE BELT TENSIONER MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of replacing the belt tensioner on a Mitsubishi Outlander. A faulty belt tensioner can lead to issues such as belt slippage or premature wear on the serpentine belt. By following these steps, you can ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before beginning the replacement, make sure you have the following tools and materials ready:

• New belt tensioner
• Serpentine belt (if also replacing)
• Socket set (including ratchet and extension)
• Torque wrench
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Wrench set
• Safety glasses and gloves

Tip: Always wear safety gear to protect yourself from debris and sharp components.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

To prevent electrical shorts and ensure safety, follow these steps:

1. Locate the battery in your Mitsubishi Outlander.
2. Use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal first. This minimizes the risk of sparks or electrical accidents.
3. Secure the cable away from the battery terminal.

Step 3: Remove the Serpentine Belt

To access the belt tensioner, the serpentine belt must be removed:

1. Identify the belt routing diagram, usually found on a sticker under the hood or in the owner's manual.
2. Use a socket or wrench to rotate the tensioner pulley clockwise to relieve tension.
3. Carefully slide the belt off the pulleys, making note of its routing for reinstallation.

Common Pitfall: Ensure that you do not let the tensioner snap back when releasing tension, as it can cause injury or damage.

Step 4: Remove the Old Belt Tensioner

Now that the belt is off, you can remove the old tensioner:

1. Locate the bolts securing the belt tensioner to the engine.
2. Use the appropriate socket to remove the bolts. Keep them in a safe place for reinstallation.
3. Gently pull the tensioner away from the mounting bracket.

Step 5: Install the New Belt Tensioner

With the old tensioner removed, you can install the new one:

1. Position the new tensioner in place and align it with the mounting holes.
2. Hand-tighten the bolts to secure the tensioner initially.
3. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque settings (check the vehicle’s manual for specifications).

Step 6: Reinstall the Serpentine Belt

Follow these steps to put the serpentine belt back on:

1. Refer to the routing diagram to ensure correct placement.
2. Rotate the tensioner pulley clockwise again to create slack.
3. Slide the serpentine belt over the pulleys, ensuring it is seated correctly in all grooves.
4. Carefully release the tensioner to apply tension to the belt.

Step 7: Reconnect the Battery

Finish the process by reconnecting the battery:

1. Reattach the negative terminal to the battery.
2. Tighten the connection securely with a wrench.

Conclusion

You have successfully replaced the belt tensioner in your Mitsubishi Outlander. It’s a straightforward process that can save you time and money on repairs. After completing the job, start your vehicle to ensure everything is functioning correctly. If you notice any unusual noises or issues, double-check your installation. Regular maintenance of your vehicle's belt system will help prevent future problems. For your next steps, consider checking other components like the serpentine belt or tensioner pulley for wear.