Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1996 GMC Sonoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My timing tensioner keeps wearing out after about 15,000 miles, it started when I bought my truck in 96 around 25,000 miles I notice a ticking sound coming from the engine,I took the truck is to the service dept. They told me I was using the wrong oil filter,ha ha. They did something to the truck but the ticking stop until 36,000 miles and then my warranty was gone. I have replaced the timing chain tensioner 7 times since I bought the truck. I have had nothing but problem with this truck ever since my warranty had expired,the tensioner broke one time when I was on the highway,bent two valves,and a head job later still having problems. To me it looks like I may have bought a lemon. This may not be on all trucks but it sure has happen to mine. Its like the timing system does not line up. To wear the tensioner in such a short time. I have replaced with gm parts.
When driving at 50 mph and applying the brakes, brakes went straight to the floorboard. Also, pulley came off, causing the consumer to pull over. Vehicle accelerated, and the consumer had to pull over and shut the igintion switch off.