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The average cost for drive belt tensioner replacement is between $236 and $268. Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $101 while parts are priced between $156 and $167.
How much does it cost to fix a belt tensioner?
To get the belt tensioner replaced, you will pay anywhere from $140 to almost $400. The price of parts and labor varies from one car to the next, with most labor costs coming in at about $70 or $80.
Is it safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner?
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.
How much does it cost to fix a tensioner pulley?
The average for Tensioner Pulley is $277 Repair Type Zip Cost Tensioner Pulley 62089 $350 Tensioner Pulley 91229 $587 Tensioner Pulley 91762 $300 Tensioner Pulley 97301 $100.
Can you replace a belt tensioner yourself?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
How can you tell if your belt tensioner is bad?
One of the most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.
How do I know if I need a new belt tensioner?
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.
Do I need to replace my belt tensioner?
You should expect to replace your belt tensioner in the 40,000-70,000 mile range. It is also customary to swap more than one part simultaneously, usually a worn-out pulley from other systems and even the serpentine belt itself.
Can a belt tensioner making noise?
If any tensioner pulley begins to wear out with time, it’ll create more of a chirping noise. You’ll also hear the chirping noise if the pulley grooves are damaged. This happens over the years due to friction, leading to cracks in the belt.
How long does it take to replace a serpentine belt and tensioner?
It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.
Where is the belt tensioner located?
The belt tensioner is on the front of the engine, between the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
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.
What does a loose timing belt sound like?
A failing bad timing belt sounds like a ticking noise in front of your car when it starts wearing out. If the belt eventually breaks, it will give a whining noise when trying to start the engine. A whining noise sounds like no compression in the engine.
What does a tensioner do in a car?
A tensioner maintains the correct amount of tension on the belt at all times throughout its duty cycle. It also helps protect other components such as the alternator and water pump from undue stress and premature failure. In addition, a tensioner is a relatively inexpensive part to replace.
Can a timing belt tensioner leak?
A camshaft tensioner leak will usually have these symptoms: Unusual sounds: You might hear loud ticking and grinding noises. This is often due to a loose timing belt, which arises due to leaking from the tensioner. However, if the camshaft tensioner leaks, the belt will begin fraying.
Can a bad tensioner cause engine vibration?
If you suspect you’re dealing with a failing tensioner or idler, you’ll want to watch for the following symptoms: Excessive tensioner movement – Worn-out coil springs can also cause drive belt tensioners to loosen their grip on the drive belt, resulting in excessive vibration and rattling.
What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?
Although there are a few causes of a squealing engine, one of the most common is a bad or failing serpentine belt. Belt squeaking is also especially pronounced when accelerating, on startup, and when making a U-turn. The noise is loud and sounds like a squeal, loud chirp, or squeak.
What happens if a belt breaks while driving?
When the timing belt breaks, the crankshaft will continue to spin at 1000 rotations per minute, while the camshaft will stop turning. As a result, the pistons will continue to rise and fall in their cylinders, but they will strike closed valves.
How long do automatic belt tensioners 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.
Why can I hear my belt in my car?
Your engine belts make a screech or squeal noise usually because the rubber belt is slipping on the metal pulley and just like your tires spinning on the road, this causes noise. The belt may be slipping due to improper tension or because it simply has gotten old and the surface has become glazed, cracked or brittle.
Why is my belt chirping?
Chirping is a result of belt vibration. This can occur due to improperly aligned pulleys, damp or wet conditions, and/or belt glazing. Minor pulley misalignment can result from excessive manufacturing tolerances or installation errors.
