A/C Tensioner Bolt

[No_Skillz]

My A/C tensioner bolt has managed to back itself out and as a result I am getting horrible squealing when I first start up the car.

1. Does anyone know where I can find this particular bolt (and/or what the dimensions are) and what a fair price is?
2. Does anyone know of a fix so I don't lose another bolt when I do get a replacement?

 

[boosted86]

well the bolt is fairly long,... my guess is for you to go to your local mitsu dealer, or off www.misubishiparts.com and get a new one. im guessing that there going for about 8 or 10 at the most,

 

[romeen]

The bolt is an M8 x 1.25. I believe the length is 70 or 75mm (not completely certain). I don't know what the dealer charges but you can always try the junkyards. Or if you have a hardware store with a good selection of fasteners now you know what size to look for. If you do this you might want to go a little bit longer as you can always cut the bolt down.

I've never had a problem with mine loosening up as the belt tension pulling against it is enough to secure it (I am also running one belt size smaller than original). But I suppose you could use a nut to secure it. If you have a spare exhaust manifold nut (one of the smaller ones) sitting around then that should work.

 

[No_Skillz]

I'm trying to imagine the bolt selection available at Home Depot. I seem to recall bolts that are this long usually aren't threaded all the way to the top (which I obviously need). Can anyone confirm this or should I commit to the trip?

Romeen - What belt are you using? Are there any benefits to running a smaller belt?

 

[romeen]

I really have no idea if HD will have that or not.

You know what, I forgot that I have ## underdrive pulleys on the alternator, PS, and WP. I continued to run the original belt for awhile without any problems. But the tensioner bolt was adjusted all the way out. I noticed after awhile that the bolt felt loose and I can see how it could have backed out since there was no belt tension pulling against it. The slightly shorter belt has allowed me to use the tensioner to fine tune the belt tension to exactly where it should be. I have noticed no problems or clearance issues with the shorter belt. And there is still room on the mounting bracket to shorten it some more if I want to.

BTW, the belt I have on there now is a Gates #K040285. If your alternator is adjusted all the way back on the bracket currently then a shorter belt might work to keep tension on the bolt so it won't back out again. I would just remove it and take it in for comparison. A small difference in size when comparing two belts makes a bigger difference than you might think when the belt is mounted. Might consider replacing your PS belt while your there.

 

[cooldude919]

Did you have the other bolt tightend down that holds it in place? I am totally missing my a/c tensioner bolt, so i just use my alternator tensioner bolt(its the same size) to tighten down the A/C bolt, then tighten down the bolt to lock it in place and take out the tensioner bolt and put it back on the alternator.(Id rather lose have my a/c belt come loose than my alt belt)