what exactly is "normal" operation of the drive belt tension damper (as described in the workshop manual). could anyone describe a test that would decide if the damper is good or not?

cheers.

Do you mean the damper as fited only to manual cars ?

thats the one.

Well the book of words says:

Inspect Drive Belt Tension Damper
Compress and extend the tension damper rod and check that there is no abnormal resistance or unusual operation sounds.
If there is any abnormality, replace the tension damper with a new one.


Guess that makes it similar to a normal shock absorber, make sure no leaks, compresses smoothly and not too quickly and releases slowly in a damped fashion.

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