Table of Contents
Listen for a fluttering” noise while driving or while the car is idling. This indicates the tensioner is too loose. Other noises such as squealing or whirling from the front of the engine mean the spring inside the tensioner is weakening. In this case, the belt tensioner needs to be replaced.
What are the symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley?
If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.
What does a bad pulley tensioner sound like?
Squealing. When the engine is idling, a bad pulley may make a squealing sound. This is due to the bearings in the pulley going bad. The bearings may also make various other sounds such as clattering or even a rumbling sound, making the vehicle sound as if there was much more wrong than a bad pulley.
Can you drive with a bad tensioner pulley?
Driving with a bad belt tensioner is unsafe since the tensioner is meant to guarantee ample tension that powers accessories. Wear on the belt tensioner will eventually cause the belt to slip, generate loud noise, and also create an unsafe level of heat along the accessory pulleys.
What happens when a tension pulley goes bad?
The pulley spins against the belt wearing down both parts. This wear reduces tension which can lead to belt slippage. Even more noticeable is a cracked or damaged pulley or bearing. This damage interferes with the rotation of the belt causing torn belts, or the belt falling off of the engine.
How do you diagnose a bad engine pulley?
Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Idler Pulley Chattering, Squealing, or Chirping Sound. Corroded Surface. Excessively Loose Idler Pulley. A Bad Idler Pulley May Spin Excessively. Slow to No Spin or Binding.
Should I replace tensioner with serpentine belt?
Tensioners add pressure from an adjustable pivot point or spring mechanism to keep your serpentine belt taut as it circulates around the engine. There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does.
How do you know if you need a new idler pulley?
Visual Clues of a Worn Idler Pulley Such wear decreases tension that can cause significant belt slippage. If the pulley or bearing is noticeably damaged, cracking, breaking, seizing, or otherwise coming apart, it is an indication that it requires prompt replacement.
Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?
No, not really. Generally a bad timing belt will cause a no idle condition. As in the engine will not run at all. A bad timing belt tensioner might allow a cam to jump a cog and be out of time, but you only get to jump so many cogs before very bad things happen.
What causes a tensioner to go bad?
Any damage to the automatic tensioner pulley can cause damage to the belt tensioner due to the vibrations caused by the pulley. Physical damage to the pulley is an indication of extreme tension or physical interference.
How much does it cost to replace a tensioner pulley?
You will pay anything between $125 and $380 for a full idler tensioner pulley replacement cost. The parts can cost as much as $225 and as little as $85. The labor cost should range between $45 and $150.
What happens if idler pulley fails?
A damaged pulley can cause the drive or serpentine belt to dislodge. If that happens, all components that derive power from that belt will stop functioning. On most vehicles, these parts include the alternator, water pump, power steering, air conditioning system, and different exhaust components.
Should I replace idler pulley and tensioner?
If there is any wobble, squeak, or undue friction, the idler pulley should be replaced. The best way to maximize the idler pulley’s lifespan is to maintain proper tension on the serpentine belt and replace belts with new ones whenever required.
Can you replace just the pulley on a tensioner?
The tensioner pulley is on the end of a spring-loaded tensioner. More often than not, just the pulley goes bad on the tensioner, not the whole tensioner, and for most vehicles, you can purchase and replace the pulley instead of the tensioner itself.
How do I know if I have a bad timing belt?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Timing Belt You Hear A Ticking Noise Coming From The Engine. Your Car’s Engine Won’t Turn Over. You Notice An Oil Leak Near The Motor. You Experience Exhaust Issues. Your Revs Start Acting Up.
Can a pulley make a whining noise?
Damaged or worn pulley bearings may cause a whining noise as the pulleys spin. In cases like these, it’s generally best to replace the pulley or pulleys entirely.
What happens if you don’t replace belt tensioner?
Sometimes, the mechanism will weaken or seize up from repetitive use. Other times, the pulley itself can warp, crack, or throw a bearing. This often results in a noticeable squeaking noise from the front of the engine. When this happens, the belt can slip, which will cause damage or weaken it much faster.
How long does a tensioner pulley last?
Most modern cars that roll off the dealer’s lot as a new vehicle will have a 60,000 to 100,000-mile life expectancy for the serpentine belt, tensioners, and idler pulleys.
Does a belt tensioner spin?
Checking the Tensioner Spin the pulley to see if it spins freely. If you hear grinding or the pulley doesn’t spin freely, replace the tensioner. When you replace the belt, it should take a lot of muscle power to move the tensioner. If you can move it easily, the spring tension is most likely not tight enough.
What does a loose belt sound like?
A loose drive belt will often be noisy, squeaking a bit, or emitting a high-pitched squeal. The most obvious sign of a loose drive belt, though, is in its appearance and tension. Belts are used to rotate components on the engine assembly, such as a coolant pump (water pump).
