JHM Auto Tensioner Install Question

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

Hi,

I need some quick help. Working on the JHM auto tensioner install tonight. It comes with a washer that is confusing me…

Reading through the provided .zip instructions and pictures, it doesn’t say where to put the washer. The step says “05_Install_JHM_Tensioner_Assy_w_Bolt_AND_Washer-THEN_Torque_to_30ftlbs”
However, the spot I thought it would go does not show a washer in all the JHM pics.

Does it go between the bracket and tensioner? Or between bolt head and tensioner (see pictures below - there is no washer there!?) In the pictures it kinda looks like there is one but that is all part of the tensioner, there is NO washer present. I was thinking the latter but it does not appear that way on any of the pictures in their install instructions…

Any ideas?

http://i.imgur.com/0zLrYbo.png

http://i.imgur.com/XR946Qy.png

#2

I don’t remember a washer. let me see what I can dig up from my pics.

#3

That would be great! Also, note those two pictures in my first post are directly from JHM instructions.

And for reference, this is how I currently have it installed, so that is what it looks like with the washer adjacent to the bolt head (and not used as a spacer). As you can see it does not match the JHM pics…

http://i.imgur.com/fQVQah1.jpg

#4

It looks like it should be more of a washer then a spacer. Just m ale sure the pulley depth is right and the belt is tracking correctly. That will let you know if your right

#5

That’s what my plan is, I installed it with the washer right next to the bolt head as shown in that last picture. Everything looks straight, I guess the real test will be my drive to work tomorrow morning 8)

#6

I think that you got it right. I took a look at the picture of Slow4’s S4 from when I installed the automatic tensioner setup and it looks to be washer. Plus if I remember correctly the automatic tensioner has nipples that go into the bracket behind it so it wouldn’t make sense to use it as a spacer.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/SAM_0963_zpsrex45vfd.jpg

#7

Thanks for the response. It is interesting that the JHM install pictures don’t show it… perhaps Jake will see this thread and update :wink:

#8

Yeah for some reason the washer isn’t in the install pics… Weird!

#9

Ok, so did I do it right? It seems to be working. Still curious lol. I can send you some install pics with the washer on if you need them :slight_smile:

#10

What belt is used for a replacement? I bought an OEM one but it will NOT go on. Does this kit require a special/different sized belt?

#11

Look on the back of your old belt. It should have the part number on it. If you cant see the part number take a picture and we can tell you the size as long as you can make out some of the wrightiing.

#12

I’ll take a look, I think there might be some numbers on the Gates belt (the one that came with the tensioner kit).

Also, prior to this work the belt had worked it’s way off 2 ribs towards the front of the car, over a few months time. After reinstalling the same belt (bc the one I bought didn’t fit…) and driving 10min today, it is already 1 rib off, this time towards the motor. I am not sure if I have it oriented the same exact way as before.

Either way, how do I get this damn thing to track straight? What adjustments do I have (if any), and is there any way to visually verify it when in service position?

Thanks

#13

This actually happens to people alot. Espically when you are not able to see very much when you put the car into service or just try to put the belt on with limited space. The belt tends to get a bit of an angle on the back side of the crank pulley when you put it on. When you put the belt on and there is tension on it that tension actually helps push the belt off the right ribs and walks the belt off a bit. I keep the tension off the belt a little and pump the motor before I put the tension on the belt if I dont have the front end off the car.

#14

Ok, I think I’m following you but not sure. You are saying that the autotensioner is pushing the belt one way or another when I first release it to apply full tension? Because it definitely looked seated correctly on all 5 ribs before starting the car. But maybe not?

How do you hold the tension off while “pumping” the motor? How do you pump the motor? Does someone blip the started when your arm is down there holding the 1/2" breakerbar/ratchet to keep tension off? That sounds not so safe lol.

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be clear in my understanding. I appreciate the help!

(also, 100% unrelated, I spent about 2 hours today reading through your old thread I stumbled across on AZ from 2009 when you did the motor tear down - it was a great read! thanks for that)

#15

Quick Update - After talking with JHM, the belt that comes with the AutoTensioner kit is NOT the same size as an OEM belt. So if you ever want or need to replace it, you need to use the belt listed below. JHM’s website did not have info regarding this, but I recommended they add it to the description page, so people don’t get confused and/or stuck like me…he said they are revamping the website soon and things should have better details then… we will see. Anyway, the belt to use with the Auto Tensioner is:


GATES Belt
Part Number: K050450

I checked local shops (napa, advance, autozone) no one had one. O-Reilly has them but not usually in stock apparently. I ended up buying it on VbeltGuys (online) and it was pretty cheap, like $15 shipped.

#16

Thanks for the update.