Skyactiv Owners - Who is on their Original Belt Tensioner?

[Lazy2.5]

2015 Mazda6, Nearly 350k KM - Belt tensioner has never been changed. Recently verified by mechanic as working "fine." Just recently replaced the serpentine belt for the second time due to wear (First was at 220,000KM)

What has your experiences with the belt tensioner on the Skyactiv's been like?

 

[felixd]

i would not worry too much if it does not show any abnormal noises or leaks.

 

[bdc101]

I replaced mine early when there was a TSB. I think around 65k miles. No issues with the tensioner other than a bit of oil leaking. I did it when I did the belt for the first time.

 

[Lazy2.5]

I saw some old dried fluid on my tensioner, but I think it was from the valve cover gasket @bdc101

 

[Lazy2.5]

i would not worry too much if it does not show any abnormal noises or leaks.

Not worried about it at all, after the recent serpentine belt replacement, I am not hearing belt noises any longer. tensioner seems to work nice and smoothly. ill monitor for new leaks or noise, excess wobbling and go from there.

 

[bdc101]

I saw some old dried fluid on my tensioner, but I think it was from the valve cover gasket @bdc101

There is a TSB out for leaky tensioners for the 2015 model year, so I would assume it is from the tensioner.

Just a light spray of oil that collects dust and ends up pretty dusty right in that area.

 

[TraviesoTX]

I have a 2014 M6 GT and a 2019 M6 Signature. Just replaced the tensioner and both belts on the 2014 at 118K. The OEM belts on the 2014 were nearly bulletproof and showed almost no wear or cracking after 12 years in South Texas heat. The tensioner, on the other hand, was asking to be put out of its misery. Went OEM again for peace of mind.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Mine seems fine but replacing my tensioner at 100k miles (~161k km) along with belts, hoses, coolant, and AT fluid/filter replacement.

 

[gman1868@ya]

You don't replace the tensioner with the belt?

 

[SparkYellow]

My 2.0 will reach 180K miles tomorrow and still on factory belts and tensioner.

 

[Lazy2.5]

My 2.0 will reach 180K miles tomorrow and still on factory belts and tensioner.

I would definitely be weary of your serpentine belts condition. My original s. Belt was practically falling apart when it was replaced.

If yours is indeed worn (and I strongly suspect it is) you may hear a "paper on paper" type rubbing sound emanating from it when the engine is cold.

I highly suggest to do that along with a visual inspection with the engine off for any signs of visible cracking.

 

[SparkYellow]

Appreciate the nudge. I watched a couple of YT clips and have a rough idea of what is involved. If I have to get in there, I should replace the alternator, starter, and tensioner at the same time.

Less than a year ago I was very motivated to refresh fluids and replace worn parts. Somehow I don't feel the same drive right now. Let me start by ordering the parts.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Appreciate the nudge. I watched a couple of YT clips and have a rough idea of what is involved. If I have to get in there, I should replace the alternator, starter, and tensioner at the same time.

Less than a year ago I was very motivated to refresh fluids and replace worn parts. Somehow I don't feel the same drive right now. Let me start by ordering the parts.

I would not replace anything that's in good working condition.

Most of the factory OEM parts which came with these cars will outlast most aftermarket alternatives, and even some OEM parts.

350k km on the original starter, alternator, both verified recently to be in excellent working order.

That serpentine belt on the other hand, if (when) it snaps, your engine will overheat immediately. Have it checked asap.

 

[Lazy2.5]

You don't replace the tensioner with the belt?View attachment 382522

Guess it wouldn't hurt while you're in there, mechanic said there is no need..

 

[SparkYellow]

I would not replace anything that's in good working condition.

Most of the factory OEM parts which came with these cars will outlast most aftermarket alternatives, and even some OEM parts.

350k km on the original starter, alternator, both verified recently to be in excellent working order.

That serpentine belt on the other hand, if (when) it snaps, your engine will overheat immediately. Have it checked asap.

It will cost me to just have everything checked again (last time was June 25). Then I still need to order the parts and book the lift. I really don't want to get in there, but if I have to, hopefully just once.

But yes I get your point. Will get that one belt (where failure leads to fatal consequences) replaced asap, and figure out the rest (non fatal items) later. It is unwise to hold off.

Edit: Belts ordered to be delivered next week. Lift booked for 4 hours on 4/27. When I get in there, will check the condition of the tensioner and whatelse.

 

[Lazy2.5]

It will cost me to just have everything checked again (last time was June 25). Then I still need to order the parts and book the lift. I really don't want to get in there, but if I have to, hopefully just once.

But yes I get your point. Will get that one belt (where failure leads to fatal consequences) replaced asap, and figure out the rest (non fatal items) later. It is unwise to hold off.

Edit: Belts ordered to be delivered next week. Lift booked for 4 hours on 4/27. When I get in there, will check the condition of the tensioner and whatelse.

Im amazed you got this much mileage out of your original belt. Please upload a picture of it once you get it out.

As for the other belts down there, they seem to be very durable. Mine are all original.

 

[Mazdiod2]

It will cost me to just have everything checked again (last time was June 25). Then I still need to order the parts and book the lift. I really don't want to get in there, but if I have to, hopefully just once.

But yes I get your point. Will get that one belt (where failure leads to fatal consequences) replaced asap, and figure out the rest (non fatal items) later. It is unwise to hold off.

Edit: Belts ordered to be delivered next week. Lift booked for 4 hours on 4/27. When I get in there, will check the condition of the tensioner and whatelse.

I ordered the belts to have on hand but the OEM belts on my first Mazda lasted a really long time.
I didn't order a tensioner because there are so many versions now I wonder if the newest would be the best. My current tensioner seems a little greasy, but no dripping. I think the main function of the tensioner is performed by the spring, not the hydraulics, which might have a dampening effect. If I notice any problems or excessive noise I will probably change it then.

 

[SparkYellow]

Here is the og serpentine belt after 181,524 miles. The inner layer is thoroughly cracked. The outer layer is still holding strong.

The water pump belt does not show any sign of distress. The mechanic said the tensioner wasn't leaking but the movement was not smooth. They completed the job in about an hour in the parking lot of a strip mall.

I plan to replace the tensioner next. After losing access to the DIY lift shop, I feel very vulnerable with multiple concerns on my Mazdas. Hope I can get as much done as possible with this team when they are still available.

 

[madar]

Appreciate the nudge. I watched a couple of YT clips and have a rough idea of what is involved. If I have to get in there, I should replace the alternator, starter, and tensioner at the same time.

Less than a year ago I was very motivated to refresh fluids and replace worn parts. Somehow I don't feel the same drive right now. Let me start by ordering the parts.

I had a Corolla that went 17 years before the original starter went, alternator never went bad in all that time. Don't waste your money with that stuff, they last longer than you think.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Here is the og serpentine belt after 181,524 miles. The inner layer is thoroughly cracked. The outer layer is still holding strong.

The water pump belt does not show any sign of distress. The mechanic said the tensioner wasn't leaking but the movement was not smooth. They completed the job in about an hour in the parking lot of a strip mall.

I plan to replace the tensioner next. After losing access to the DIY lift shop, I feel very vulnerable with multiple concerns on my Mazdas. Hope I can get as much done as possible with this team when they are still available.

Oh man, it's good you replaced that belt. I'll say it again, amazing how long it lasted.

When you start the engine, if the tensioner is holding the belt steady, I don't think it is an immediate concern.

I think you've already done your transmission fluid, yes? Have you checked your valve cover gasket for leaks?

Front suspension components for wear or play?

Check your rear strut mounts.

Otherwise, you have nothing else to worry about.