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You can save yourself time and money by removing the belt tensioner assembly on your own. Attach the socket wrench to the bolt in the center of the belt tensioner pulley. Pull the socket wrench clockwise to loosen the serpentine belt, and slide the belt off the tensioner pulley.
How do you remove a tensioner pulley?
Put a socket on the bolt and turn the bolt counterclockwise to break it loose. If it will not break loose because the tensioner wants to move, keep the tensioner from moving by holding it in place with a pry bar; then you will be able to loosen the bolt in the pulley.
Are tensioner pulley and idler 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.
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.
Can you change the tensioner?
Automatic belt tensioners that are easily accessible may not be required to remove from the engine if you’re just replacing the 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.
Should you be able to move a belt tensioner by hand?
Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.
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.
Is the idler pulley part of the tensioner?
Idler pulleys serve as tensioners for belt drives, but occasionally, they are there to change a belt’s direction or provide more belt contact on one of the pulleys.
What happens if the tensioner pulley fails?
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.
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 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.
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 a serpentine tensioner?
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.
Should I replace the tensioner when I replace the serpentine belt?
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.
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.
Is the tensioner pulley supposed to wiggle?
If your belt tensioner is chirping or makes other noises, it is often an indication that the part is old and needs to be replaced. If the belt tensioner is moving more than it should, there is a good chance it will require replacement.
Is the tensioner pulley supposed to bounce?
Absolutely you’ll see it bouncing slightly. The reason is, the belt will stretch and contract slightly as the engine speeds up/slows down. The tensioner provides two different functions: Provides tension to keep the serpentine belt tight during operation.
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.
