What is this/ (Engine Related)

[02Z71]

Noticed today on my way home from a long drive that the engine had a rattling sound happening on and off. I looked closer and could see the cone shaped piece was moving around a bit making noise.

Here is pics





I have very little knowledge of engines and I am brand new to the Tahoe. Just want an idea what is going on. I hate just taking a car to a mechanic blindly.

 

[Bikeboy80]

Looks like the serpentine belt tensioner to me, keeps the belt tight.

 

[Okiedave]

That is correct. Mine went out about a month ago. Easy swap. Three bolts to swap the whole assembly.

On mine the bearings seized and the belt melted away the pulley. Belt was running on just the metal bearing housing of the pulley.

 

[02Z71]

Great, looks like ill be replacing it. Don't want same thing to happen to me.

Thanks for the info, saved me a trip to the mechanic.

 

[Okiedave]

I had heard a sound when I started the engine the day before and then again on that morning this happened. I could not find where is was coming from and then I went away in a couple of min. I drove about 30 miles from home and then it locked up and melted away the pulley.

It is an easy swap, but if you need help there are a couple of YouTube videos the show the how to. Just have to loosen the belt slip it off the pulley, replace the tensioner (3 bolts) slip the belt back on..... done in a matter of minutes.

I went ahead and did the whole tensioner. Will replace pulley and then have an assembly on hand of road trips. Just in case.

 

[02Z71]

Nice, thanks for the help. I will have to check youtube for the vidz. Always easier if you can watch someone do it before you.

 

[owner]

Yeah, check some videos, you'll do this easily yourself, no need to go to the shop for this minor problem.