[s-cars] Serpentine Belt Tensioner

[Dave Forgie]

S-gruppees:  I don't know if I am just "lucky" or what.  Last night, on
my way to teach a night class, the power steering/power brakes failed
just as I was pulling into the school's parking lot. (Good news/Bad
News).  I immediately thought that I had broken the serpentine belt
(which seemed odd because it didn't look to be in bad condition).  The
lighting was poor and all I could tell with the motor off was belt was
loose.  After the class, I had the car flat bedded to my mechanic,s
shop. (A cold dark place at night).  This morning I phoned for the
verdict:  broken serpentine belt tensioner.  I haven't seen it yet but
apparently the bracket broke (cracked) and the assembly wouldn't give
any tension to the belt.  Parts had to come from Toronto (to Vancouver)
(Won't get the car until Friday afternoon).

Have any others had this problem??  What bothers me is there doesn't
seem to be a way to tell that this is going to happen, i.e. you can
inspect the belt and figure "Okay, no problems" and then, WHAM,
effectively no serpentine belt. No power steering.  This would not be
fun at speed in the twisties in the mountains  somewhere away from the
big City. They might find the "remains" in the spring, sort of deal.

Comments, BTDT's, preventative actions, etc.  welcomed.

Dave F.