Skoda Octavia fan belt tensioner keeps breaking

Car: Skoda Octavia
Variant: 1.9 tdi
Model Year: 2003

Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss

last week i noticed a lack of power and heard the engine tapping loudly, i had a look and found the fan belt tensioner was snapped on the bracket at the top.
i got the garage to replace it with a second hand part from a car they had in the yard, 2 days later it snapped again in exactly the same place.
i then ordered a new part from the autoparts store, it was fitted with a new fan belt at the same time. the part has snapped again!!!

does anybody have an idea why it keeps breaking, and always at the same point?

Posted: Jan 28, 2013 (11 years ago)

bfg72

Points: 1

Sounds like something not aligned properly putting a strain on bracket .

Posted Jan 29, 2013 (11 years ago)

whittingehame

Points: 38,685

It could be that your alternator freewheel hub is not freewheeling due to seizure and this is causing a whip effect on the belt almost like someone cracking a bull whip,This will brake tensioner s and shred belts.Best way to check it is by removing the belt and manually spinning the alternator pulley then stopping it and seeing if the cooling fan blades still spin by looking into the housing,and it,s left hand thread to remove it.

Posted Jan 29, 2013 (11 years ago)

bustedknuckles

Points: 2,304

Good point in above post . Was going to suggest alternator also but thought it would have shown up in belt screeching , chewing up belts .That's why I didn't suggest it but very possible and worth checking .

Posted Jan 29, 2013 (11 years ago)

whittingehame

Points: 38,685

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Skoda Octavia fan belt tensioner keeps breaking

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