Hello,

My GF's '94 325is (M50TU engine) has been having a little power steering problem. I replaced the faulty pump and belts. Now the belts squeal when the RPM's rise above 1500 and the alternator light still comes on when you turn the wheel (no power steering). I am thinking that the problem is in the tensioner. The poly ripped belt tensioner is seized up and does not spin, although you can pull it down to remove the belt tension. The belt also does not sit flat on the tensioner. The belt still spins around the pully's, but not properly. The alternator pully also gets REALLY hot when the engine runs for a minute. I am thinking that the tensioner is faulty in some way. I loosened the screw and removed the cover and spinning thing. I then reattached it and when I torque it down, it still does not spin. Anyone have experience with a faulty tensioner? Is there a problem with the alternator because the pully heats up (none of the other pully's get hot)? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Best,
Rory
'90 525i -- For Sale, Inquire Within