C4 Parts Locating Challenge

[Joe L.]

The other day I was talking with a friend of mine in the Corvette parts and service business. He told me that it was nearly impossible to find a belt tensioner for a 1984 Corvette. I agreed with him that the 1984 belt tensioner was unique to 1984 Corvettes and that the GM piece was discontinued several years ago. However, I told him that I thought the tensioner could be found in the aftermarket since the vast majority of belt tensioners are so-available.

However, after spending quite a bit of time researching this, I find that the 1984 Corvette belt tensioner is available NOWHERE that I can find. No company seems to manufacture it. I realize, of course, that it is a one-year-only and Corvette-only application. On the other hand, there were a LOT of 1984 Corvettes manufactured and a belt tensioner is a wear-type part, subject to regular service replacement. So, it would seem to me that this part should be "out there". But, I sure can't find any source. Of course, there's always the USED route but, as I say, a belt tensioner is a wear-type part. So, who knows how much life is left in a used piece?

Anyone out there know of a source?

[Jim T.]

Re: C4 Parts Locating Challenge

Do not know about the failure of the function of the spring in the belt tensioner for the 84. However I replaced the bearing in my 85's belt tensioner several years ago. On my 85 the only thing to fail would be the spring and the bearing. It was really no problem to change the bearing.

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Parts Locating Challenge

Do not know about the failure of the function of the spring in the belt tensioner for the 84. However I replaced the bearing in my 85's belt tensioner several years ago. On my 85 the only thing to fail would be the spring and the bearing. It was really no problem to change the bearing.

Jim-----


Isn't the bearing part of the tensioner pulley assembly?

[Dick W.]

Re: C4 Parts Locating Challenge

The bearing presses out of the pulley. Unless the pulley shows wear, I all ways just replace the bearing.

My guess it that you could take a later idler and rob the spring and pulley if needed

[Larry S.]

Re: C4 Parts Locating Challenge

The pulley and bearing are serviced by NAPA. Had to replace one on the hiway a couple years ago. Local Chevy dealer offered no help. Went half a block to NAPA and was on the road half hour later. My car is 1984. Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Parts Locating Challenge

The pulley and bearing are serviced by NAPA. Had to replace one on the hiway a couple years ago. Local Chevy dealer offered no help. Went half a block to NAPA and was on the road half hour later. My car is 1984. Larry

Larry----


Yes, the pulley with bearing is available from multiple sources; no problem there, at all. It's the complete tensioner assembly that's the problem. However, the pulley with bearing assembly was never available as a separate part from GM for a 1984 Corvette.