Parts for your 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer-Drive belt tensioner

1999 Mitsubishi Lancer drive-belt tensioner: used or not?

For the 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE/CK series with common 4G15 and 4G93 engines), a spring‑loaded accessory drive-belt tensioner is not fitted. The accessory belts are tensioned manually by adjusting the alternator and power steering pump positions, and by an adjustable A/C idler where equipped. This setup is confirmed by service literature and parts catalogues that specify belt tensioning via adjuster bolts rather than an automatic tensioner unit.

Technical sources supporting this: factory service information for the CE-series Lancer describing belt tension adjustment by loosening pivot and lock bolts on the alternator/power steering pump and turning the adjuster, the Haynes Lancer 1996–2007 manual outlining the same procedure, and Australian application catalogues from Gates and Dayco that list belts and, where applicable, an idler pulley for these models but do not list an automatic accessory-belt tensioner assembly for 1999 Lancer variants.

Why it isn’t used on this Lancer: Mitsubishi designed these models with separate accessory belts rather than a single serpentine belt. That layout suits simple, low-cost manual tensioning using the driven components and an idler, keeps parts count down, and was commonplace in the late 1990s. It also means there’s no dedicated spring-loaded tensioner to fail on the front of the engine.

What owners should do instead: Regularly inspect the alternator, power steering, and A/C belts for cracking, glazing, fraying, or squeal under the bonnet. If noise or slippage appears, belt tension is set by loosening the component’s pivot and lock bolts, winding the adjuster to achieve proper tension, then tightening fasteners and rechecking after a few hundred kilometres. Replacing aged belts on time is cheap insurance against a flat battery, heavy steering, or poor A/C performance.

• Tell-tale signs of incorrect belt tension: chirping or squeal at start-up, flickering battery light, heavy steering effort, or A/C that cuts in and out.
• Note: This Lancer does have a timing belt with its own separate tensioner. That’s unrelated to the accessory drive and follows the timing belt service interval in the maintenance schedule.

Referenced technical sources: Mitsubishi Lancer CE-series service manual procedures for drive-belt inspection/adjustment, Haynes Mitsubishi Lancer 1996–2007 maintenance chapter on drivebelts, Gates and Dayco Australia parts catalogues showing no automatic accessory tensioner listing for 1999 CE models, and belt tension specified as a manual adjustment via alternator/power steering/A/C idler.

Popular questions

Does a 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer have an accessory drive-belt tensioner?
No. The CE/CK Lancer of this era uses manual belt tensioning by moving the alternator and power steering pump on their brackets, and an adjustable A/C idler where fitted. There isn’t a spring‑loaded serpentine tensioner on typical Australian and New Zealand models.

Some Japan‑only or rare engine variants can differ, but mainstream 1.5 and 1.8 models sold locally do not use an automatic accessory-belt tensioner.

How is belt tension adjusted on a 1999 Lancer?
Tension is set by loosening the pivot and lock bolts on the alternator or power steering pump, then turning the adjuster screw to increase or decrease belt tension. Once set, bolts are tightened and the belt is rechecked after a short run. Many workshops also replace aged belts at the same time to avoid repeat visits.

Avoid over-tensioning, which can wear bearings. If unsure, a workshop can set the spec using a tension gauge, which is the safest bet.

Is the timing belt tensioner the same as a drive-belt tensioner?
No. The timing belt and its tensioner are inside the front covers and manage camshaft timing. The accessory (drive) belts run the alternator, power steering, and A/C on the outside of the engine. The 1999 Lancer lacks an automatic accessory-belt tensioner but does have a timing belt tensioner as part of timing belt service.

Timing belt intervals vary by engine and market, many follow around 100,000 km or time-based limits. Always check the exact schedule for the vehicle’s VIN.