Help Please - I have a 2004 6-speed Coupe and the serpentine belt tensioner seems to be connected to a STRUT (shock absorber). My belt is TIGHT and the tensioner isn’t moving while the engine is running.
I have a 2004 automatic Coupe and I don’t see a STRUT on it and I can see the tensioner moving when the engine is running.
do I need the strut or can I remove it so my tensioner flexes and moves ? Help please. Not sure why there is a strut on it.

 

Sorry I can't give you a precise answer, but some have the damper and some don't. But either should have some bounce to them when running. James

 

Thanks James. I just ordered a new tensioner without the damper. They confirm it will fit my crossfire. Thanks for the quick response

 

For reasons I don't understand, the cars with manual transmissions have the strut as part of the tensioner assembly. Iv'e had one auto Roadster and two Manual Roadstsers. My present manual has the strut, but the first manual didn't have it. I almost suspect the manuals had the strut up till someone replaced the tensioner.

In any event, I think the car will be fine without the strut.

 

Thanks Pizzaguy. I ordered a new tensioner without the STRUT. Once I receive and install it, I’ll post how it works. Appreciate the response. Thanks again

 

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Can someone post a picture of this 'strut' and the tensioner without one 'strut'? I've never seen a 'springless' tensioner. I'm having a time understanding how a tensioner is working without a way for the tension to keep the belt tight. The only thing I can think of, its later model of the tensioner has an INTERNAL coiled spring that takes up the 'slack' in the belt. A couple pictures would help confirm (plus a confirmation the strut tensioner doesn't have an internal spring and the newer one does). Thanks!


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There is an internal spring in the tensioner, a pin is used to keep the spring in a fixed position to aid in placing the belt in position. The tension is taken up with a 17 mm hex so ket wrench and the pin removed when all is aligned, the pin is also used on the auto tensioner. The pin I believe is 5mm, I never could fit the pin when removing the belt.
The strut was on my 2004 NA but is not on the SRT, it is a short gas filled tensioner.
I believe they are two absorb the shock off the acceleration of the engine thus easing the sudden tension of the belt. Why the gas strut is missing from the SRT I have no idea. Do the 2007s have a strut?