Alternator dead. Fixed. But 'tensioner' needed, but noones know what it is!

Lokolo

Ok. So my car blew up the other day (not literally, but it died ). Called AA out and he said that the alternator has gone so he then replaced this. He then told me the tensioner had snapped (which from what I can remember, is what I move when tightening the fan belt) but he couldn't get that as the place (nationwide auto centre) didn't have any but if I went along they could order me one.

However, when I went there and said I need a tensioner bar they had no idea what it was!! I said its for tightening and loosening the fan belt and they didn't know then! Have I got this completely wrong? A pic of what it looks like is below:



Its a crappy bit of metal but at the moment my car is stuck together with industrial strength bluetak and I shouldn't drive very far with it until I get this!

ARGH. TIA.

ariba10

You might be able to get it at a main dealers (You do not say what car it is)

If they don't have it they should be able to get it.

Lokolo

ariba10 wrote: »

You might be able to get it at a main dealers (You do not say what car it is)

If they don't have it they should be able to get it.

This was my backup option. Its a Ford Fiesta (old style, J reg, which is why I think they don't have the part). I don't really do cars... I looked around and there was this garage : http://dws.autotorq.com/bristol_street_motors_stafford/ which is just down the road, but it keeps saying dealer etc. so wasn't sure if dealers sell parts?? Or just the actual cars (:cool:)

Hintza

Trip to the scrapyard will sort you out.

swiftnick

It is a main dealer part only. The dealer you've mentioned should be able to supply one quite easily. May take a day to order one in.

Nick

Lokolo

swiftnick wrote: »

It is a main dealer part only. The dealer you've mentioned should be able to supply one quite easily. May take a day to order one in.

Nick

Thanks for that.

Lokolo

Hintza wrote: »

Trip to the scrapyard will sort you out.

I was going to do this, but I was worried I would get the wrong one, hence why I prefer to go to a garage. If I was back at home I would have one already as I have a mate who knows cars, and his dad works for DirectLine and got my car in first place.

Hintza

Just get your one and take it with you. As long as it is close in shape and size it will work. If your really struggling an angle grinder and a bit of metal will do the job.

Lokolo

Ok. Last problem.

The AA bloke also said instead of getting the tensioner I could weld it.... is there any difference to getting a tensioner? (I end up tightening, or loosening belt once a year so I don't want that to end up becoming a problem! Also, when I say I, I mean my mums boyfriend)

Thanks for your help so far!!