What, if any, are the tell tale signs of a worn belt tensioner? Do they blow up, or just fade away? Do they make grinding noises? I have not a clue. Please let me know before anything happens and leaves me stranded.

 

They cost $17 at autozone. Swap it out and sleep better

 

What Zuke said. If it locks up it could severely damage the front cover and that ain't a good thing. I had that happen once so I know from what I speak. D*

 

They get noisy.

If it is only the pulley, as zuke said, replace it. Last year my original unit started making just a bit of noise on Friday and completely let go on Sat morning as I was driving to Oreilly.

If the belt is squealing, then you probably need the whole assembly for about $80

 

Actually if it was me I would also swap out the bearings on the 2 idlers while I was at it. They seem to have a similar lifespan.

I think you need (1) 6203 R2S and (1) 6204 R2S as memory serves. But I could be wrong.

Probably $15 total at autozone for the 2 bearings.

 

The larger one is 6304.

 

You are right. I looked it up

small idler: #6203 r2s
Large idler: #6304 r2s

 

Take the advice above and simply replace it. I had a terrifying experience driving down the freeway. Idler locked up with no warning and threw the serp belt at 70mph. Coincidentally, this stretch of freeway had no safe pull-over zones. I had to limp ~ five miles as I frantically watching my engine temp climb...

Called an Uber, went to autoZone picked up an idler and returned to the side of freeway, climbed in the engine bay, replaced it in the dark with traffic screaming past. I had better moments.

 

Whats the price i'm looking at from Atlantic ?? Does fan need to come off??

 

Go nutz! > Land Rover Belt Tensioner Kit: Discovery 2 And Range Rover P38


Yes, fan needs to come off. Looks like this > How To Replace Serpentine Belt On Discovery 2