How To Change Tensioner Pulley

Table of Contents

How to replace an accessory tensioner in 8 easy steps Draw a sketch or take a picture of the belt routing. Unload the belt from the tensioner by rotating the tensioner. Remove the old tensioner from the engine. Place the new tensioner on the engine.

Can you replace the tensioner pulley?

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. The pulley should be replaced if it has a lot of resistance when you spin it.

How do I know if my 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 you replace the idler pulley?

Loosen the bolt and push the pulley toward the center of the engine to relieve the tension on the belt. Slide the belt off the idler pulley. Hold the idler pulley so it cannot turn and loosen the center bolt with a socket wrench. Remove the bolt completely and pull the idler pulley from the engine.

What tools do I need to change a tensioner pulley?

Once the belt is removed from the pulley, you can remove the pulley bolt and washer and then remove the pulley to replace the new one. Belt removal tool with adapters. Long handled box-end wrench set. Ratchet and socket set. Vehicle-specific repair manual. Torque wrench. Bench vise.

How long does it take to replace a tensioner pulley?

What Is Tensioner Pulley Replacement? Replacing the pulley should only take an hour or two, and the parts will vary in cost from one type of car to the next.

Is the idler pulley and tensioner pulley the same?

The primary distinction between tensioners and idler pulleys is the presence of an adjustable bolt. Tensioners are positioned on the bolt through mounting. Idler pulleys are not mounted to an adjustable bolt. However, if bearings fail, tensioner and idler pulleys both require replacement.

What happens if tensioner pulley breaks?

When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise. Symptom 2: Knocking or slapping. This can cause a slapping or knocking noise.

How much is a tensioner pulley?

It will cost between $125 and $380 to have your pulley replaced. The labor should cost between $45 and $155 and the parts should cost between $85 and $225.

What sound does a bad tensioner pulley make?

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.

How do I know if my tensioner pulley is bad?

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.

Can you drive without an idler pulley?

So, how long can you drive with a bad idler pulley? The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. You should be concerned if the vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises. The car can still run for months or break after a few days.

Is it hard to replace a belt tensioner?

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.

What size socket do you need for a tensioner pulley?

Inspect the belt tensioner pulley to see what size gap it has for a tool to fit in. If the gap is 1/2 wide and square, as is the case in many vehicles, a standard 1/2 inch ratchet will be sufficient.

How do you put a tension pulley back on?

How much does a new pulley cost?

The cost to replace the idler pulley of your driver belt will usually be somewhere between $80 and $200. The cost for the new part should only be anywhere from $40 to $90, while the cost of the labor will be anywhere from $40 to $110. These prices do not include added taxes and fees charged by the auto shop.

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.

Should I replace all pulleys?

The belt ought to move smoothly over the pulley when you turn the crankshaft. There should be no chips or cracks on the edges of the pulleys. The pulley should spin evenly and not immediately stop or grind. If you see any of these problems, you should plan to replace all the pulleys associated with the serpentine belt.

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.

What causes tensioner failure?

A weak or broken spring inside the tensioner, can’t maintain proper tension and the belt will slip. Springs lose tension over time from exposure to heat. Cracks or damage to the tensioner housing or pulley arm; may prevent it from rotating smoothly and maintaining proper belt tension.

Can a bad tensioner cause alternator problems?

Engine failure will leave you stranded and dependent on others for assistance. A bad belt tensioner can also lead to the alternator failing to function as designed. The engine’s alternator is meant to power the automobile’s electrical system and also charge the battery while the vehicle is operating.