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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.
What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?
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.
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 replace 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.
When should you replace a belt tensioner?
When to Replace Your 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.
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.
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.
What does tensioner noise sound like?
Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner 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.
Can you drive without a tensioner?
If you’re wondering whether or not you can drive your car without a serpentine belt, the answer is no. A car can only take out so much slack from other components before they fail and stop working altogether.
Can I drive without belt tensioner?
When the tensioner fails, the serpentine belt will slip off and break. When this happens, the alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor will stop working. Since there is no belt turning the pulley, the battery light will turn on, and steering will be difficult. The AC compressor will also stop working as well.
Can a belt tensioner leak?
The hydraulic oil that maintains this tension can seep out of the tensioner. When it does the associated engine belts become loose. A car that leaks oil is not an uncommon sight. This is often due to a loose timing belt, which arises due to leaking from the tensioner.
What is the lifespan of a serpentine belt?
Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
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.
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.
Where is the belt tensioner on a car?
The belt tensioner is on the front of the engine, between the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
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.
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.
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.
How do you know if drive belt needs replacing?
Common Signs of Drive Belt Replacement Strange Noises. One of the biggest signs that you probably need to take your vehicle to the dealership for a check is when you start hearing strange noises coming from your engine. Visual Signs of Wear. Mileage Indicators. Breakage is Bad.
Can a belt tensioner make a clicking noise?
It’s also common for a worn out pulley or idler tension pulley to cause a clicking sound as the belt spins. If the sound increases as the vehicle RPM’s increase, then it’s likely with the belt or pulley itself.
