are they supposed to be smooth operating? mine seems to be rough, no noise, just excessive movement while running when compared to my half ton Chevy

 

I have had to remove the serpentine belt a couple of times. Each time I spun the tensioner bearing just to check it out. It always ran smooth, with no noise or movement. As well, as I removed the belt, the tensioner was smooth under my ratchet. As the engine runs, no movement or noise. Hope that helps.

 

The arm pivot point seems to wear out more often than the pulley bearing allowing the tensioner to move front to back. It doesn't take much slop at the pivot to equal a lot of movement at the pulley.