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marie_held2

Ractis Belt Tensioner Failure

My 2006 Toyota Ractis with a gasoline engine has a concerning issue. It's only clocked 30012 km, but the serpentine belt 'belt-handover' no longer works! I think it's a defective belt tensioner. Could this diagnosis be accurate? What could be the cause?

4 comment(s)

nico_ice2

The symptoms strongly indicate an issue with the belt drive system, most likely the belt tensioner itself. Inspect the tensioner for wear, damage, or loss of tension. A defective tensioner pulley or dampening mechanism can cause the belt to lose proper tension, leading to slippage. This is a safety-critical component. Are you experienced in automobile maintenance?

marie_held2 (Author)

Thanks for the insights. I've done minor maintenance, like replacing light bulbs, but I'm not familiar with the belt drive system. Can you be more specific about what to inspect on the tensioner, and what constitutes a 'loss of tension'?

nico_ice2

Given your experience, I wouldn't recommend attempting this repair yourself. Loss of tension can be difficult to assess without specialized tools and experience. Driving with a faulty belt tensioner can cause further engine damage. Schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic.

marie_held2 (Author)

I took the car to my local mechanic, and they agree with your suspicions. The belt tensioner is defective and needs replacement. The total repair cost is 455€. Thanks for the swift and accurate diagnosis!

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