Aux belt tensioner problem

[Bodevo]

Hi all
Have a POLO 1997 1.9d (LHD frenchie)
Have a bad vibration on idle and noticed aux belt tensioner wobbling around.
On closer inspection the bar that goes through the alt mount to the tensioner at the back is moving around all over the place. Looks like a bush at the front end of the bar is missing or housing worn.
Anyone had experience or can offer a soloution
thanks so much in advance
Nigel

[RufusReject]

Not sure if this is the same set up as in my Polo 9N 1.9 SDI, but I had a load of tensioner issues which turned out to be the result of the one way clutch on the alternator pulley not operating correctly. In my car the tensioner bolt sheared off a few times before the tensioner itself finally sheared.

It sounds in your case like the bolt has sheared or is at least loose allowing the tensioner to move in its housing. Probably worth tightening/replacing the bolt before spending any more money. A quick Google search should show you a simple method for testing the alternator pulley which may be causing the additional stress on the tensioner.

All this is assuming yours is the same or similar in design to mine, hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong!

[Bodevo]

Hi
Thanks for your reply
I have found the problem and it looks expensive.
The housing that the tensioner bar passes through has worn away at the front (see pic centre).
This is a big casting that houses the water pump and mounts PAS pump and alternator.
I think it probably a main ******* part. eeeekk!!!!
cheers
nigel
2016-02-25 19.12.49.jpg