Serpentine A/C belt tensioner chatters

2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE

88,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

KENCHAD

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1 POST
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The serpentine belt tensioner started chattering at about 1,800 RPMs, so I took it to a local mechanic for repair rather than fix it myself. He replaced the tensioner and belt with Gates parts and still chatters. Next he replaced the compressor, accumulator plus front and rear expansion valves. Worked about 4 or 5 days and came back. System checks great on the gauges even at the RPM when it chatters. Replaced the tensioner and belt with GM original parts and still chatters. Could this be an electrical problem?

Sep 16, 2009 at 9:25 AM

KASEKENNY

CERTIFIED EXPERT
18,907 POSTS

More than likely you have an issue with another pulley that is either seized or causing the belt to slip.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

What I would do is remove the belts and try and spin each pulley by hand and see if they feel smooth.

If not then you may have an issue there. More than likely the compressor is the issue. However, you have a second belt for just the compressor so I attached the procedures for both belts below for your review.

Please let us know what you find. Thanks

Images (Click to enlarge)

Sep 22, 2021 at 6:30 PM