93 Saturn SL2 belt noise

My saturn makes a huge noise, probably from one of belts, after starting
engine, especially when the engine is still cool. It lasts for about 100
yards and eventually goes away. What could be the problem? Do I need to
replace belts? If so, which one ? It has automatic transmission and AC
if that matters. TIA.

 

"yk" <> typed until their fingers bled, and came up
with:

Do I need to replace belts? If so, which one ?

Yes, you need to replace the belt. There is only one, and it's quite easy
to do.

 

It could also be the idler pulley. Earlier cars had this as a common
problem.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]

 

Or the belt tensioner. those wear out as well.

 

Are they, belt tensioner and idler pullley easy to replace as well ?
Thanks.

 

In my case it was the belt tensioner. Easy to replace
but I needed a offset wrench to get at the nuts to
get it out.

Fred, 94 SC2

 

actually, yes. once the belt is off, the idler is 1 bolt, the tensioner is
2 - but they are a bit of a pain to get to.

 

It was a tensioner. Replacing it solved the problem. Thanks.