i was just replacing my belt when i noticed the housing for the tensioner had part of the casting on the side broken off, and it would not tighten anymore. removed it from the block, took it apart, and there were some broken plastic pieces in among the spring, preventing it from allowing the spring to fully tighten the belt. removed the pieces, put it back together, and reinstalled it. belt is tight now, and works with ac on as well. however, it seems that the pulley on the tensioner (which should be able to move, if you were pulling/pushin on it to change the belt) is moving up and down just a little, within the 2 marks cast into the housing. my question is, how much vibrating is ok, if any at all? is it supposed to be rock solid? basically im trying to figure out whether this will work as a permanent fix of if i need to get a new tensioner assembly (minus the pulley).

thanks guys for your help.

 

ttt

also, anyone know where i can get one cheap (ie, under $40)

 

I paid $15 at Autozone for one on my '95 3.4 V6.Should be about the same.
Kevin