It provides the proper tension on the serpentine drive belt.
If your vehicle has a serpentine belt that is used to drive the accessories ( alternator , air conditioning compressor , power steering , etcetera ) the serpentine belt has a spring loaded tensioner that is supposed to keep the proper tension on the belt ( if it is working correctly )
Your Explorer has a serpentine belt tensioner which keeps the proper tension on the serpentine belt unless the tensioner has failed.
Check to make sure that the serpentine belt is ok, and that the ac clutch is working properly. Make sure that the serpentine belt has the proper tension.
It provides the proper tension on the serpentine belt so as it is not too tight or too loose.
Put the proper size wrench or socket on the pulley of the tensioner.Pull the wrench counter clockwise to release the tension on the belt.
Possible belt stretch or an idler not applying proper tension for some reason.
Should automatically supply the proper tension for the serpentine belt - if not could be defective and require replacement
You have a mechanic check for proper belt tension. Trust me, in the long run this is the smartest, safest and CHEAPEST way to solve the problem.
Most cars now have a serpentine belt that drive the alternator, water pump, power steering unit, etc. The belt tension pulley is a spring loaded pulley that keeps the proper tension on all these units. It can be moved to release the tension in order to remove the belt.
3.3L and 3.8L Engines note: It is best to use serpentine belt tool kit. All of the belt driven accessories on the 3.3L and 3.8L engines are driven by a single serpentine belt. The belt tension is maintained by an automatic tensioner. # Raise the front of the vehicle and safely support it with jackstands. # Remove the right front splash shield. # Release tension by rotating the tensioner clockwise. # Remove the belt and install a replacement. # Proper belt tension is maintain by the dynamic tension. # Install the right front splash shield. Lower the front of the vehicle.
tension pulley is an automatic tensioner that keeps the serpentine belt at the proper tension it is a single pulley that is smooth (no grooves) usually turning clockwise with constant pressure loosens pulley for belt removal use caution pulley is spring loaded