Struts, Tensioner, and Brakes...Oh My!!

[JayCizzo]

So the dealership is replacing one of the front struts under warrantee, but I'm on my own with the tensioner. They quoted me $375 for parts/labor. So I'm trying to see if I can find the part cheaper and have it installed at a local shop that doesn't charge and arm and a leg. Anyone have a part number?

In addition they discovered my brakes and rotors need to be replaced. :shrug:

[MGM1979]

the spring loaded tensioner, or the tensioner arm bracket thingy?

both are easy swaps, if you can pick one up on your own...I used to have a spare one (spring loaded), lemme go home tonight and poke around the garage to see if I still have it. I know I have the bracket, b/c I swapped out to the ZZP adjustable one a while back.

lemme know.

[JayCizzo]

When I pick up the car I'll talk to the tech and find out. Thanks.

[JayCizzo]

So I'm going to pick up my car today. Parts won't be in for a few days for the struts. As far as the tensioner, I guess I should just pick up the one from ZZP for $100, rather than have them replace it with a stock one for $375 parts/labor.

[MGM1979]

So I'm going to pick up my car today. Parts won't be in for a few days for the struts. As far as the tensioner, I guess I should just pick up the one from ZZP for $100, rather than have them replace it with a stock one for $375 parts/labor.

so it WAS the bracket? what's the issue with it, exactly?

[JayCizzo]

so it WAS the bracket? what's the issue with it, exactly?

Haven't picked it up yet so I don't know for sure but if they said it's $375 to replace it I'm assuming it's the entire tensioner and not just the top arm thing. :shrug:

[MGM1979]

Haven't picked it up yet so I don't know for sure but if they said it's $375 to replace it I'm assuming it's the entire tensioner and not just the top arm thing. :shrug:

well, ZZP doesn't sell the spring-loaded part...they only sell the replacement/adjustable tensioner bracket.


I can see the spring-loaded arm failing; the bracket - not real sure how that would fail.

[JayCizzo]

well, ZZP doesn't sell the spring-loaded part...they only sell the replacement/adjustable tensioner bracket.


I can see the spring-loaded arm failing; the bracket - not real sure how that would fail.

Well how the hell would it cost $375 for the spring loaded arm??? You're talking the part that's circled right?

169

[MGM1979]

negative - the spring loaded tensioner is the silver/black thing directly below the idler pulley - which is directly below the engine mount/hook you circled. The BRACKET is what the idler pulley is mounted on.

[JayCizzo]

negative - the spring loaded tensioner is the silver/black thing directly below the idler pulley - which is directly below the engine mount/hook you circled. The BRACKET is what the idler pulley is mounted on.

Well I got my car back but I didn't get to talk to the tech. After looking at it closely with engine running it is the spring loaded tensioner that's the issue. It's vibrating slightly. So the ZZP adjustable tensioner would replace the defective part, right?

OK. Someone help me understand what the hell I need here.

Here is what is vibrating and needs to be replaced, where the red line points.

http://www.ecurchy.com/saturn/lsj.jpg

Here is the GM Part. Looks like #2 is what I need. It's for a Cobalt, didn't see any Saturn parts on the site, but figured it should be the same. :shrug: $124.26 at GM Parts Direct: Your direct source for Genuine GM Parts (www.gmpartsdirect.com)

http://www.ecurchy.com/saturn/gmparts.gif

Here is the ZZPerformance Adjustable Tensioner for $109.99. Looks nothing like the #2.

http://www.ecurchy.com/saturn/zzp.jpg

So I'm kind of confused as to what the ZZP part replaces. Can anyone clear this up for me? Thanks.

[MGM1979]

zzp replacement is for the bracket that attaches to the top of the spring loaded tensioner/shock thingy - and the idler pulley mounts to the bracket.

it's too cramped in there, otherwise I'd snap a pic...get on STC and see if one of those guys can order the part for you with the Good Guy pricing.

[JayCizzo]

ptparker from RLF hooked me up with the part for $30 shipped. Might be hitting you up for install info.

[MGM1979]

ptparker from RLF hooked me up with the part for $30 shipped. Might be hitting you up for install info.

excellent - you know how to reach me...