Table of Contents
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 do I replace the 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.
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 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.
When should I replace my 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.
Can you replace the pulley on a belt 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. The pulley should be replaced if it has a lot of resistance when you spin it.
Where is the belt tensioner located?
The belt tensioner is on the front of the engine, between the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
How much does it cost to replace a belt tensioner?
The average cost for a drive belt tensioner replacement is between $211 and $239. Labor costs are between $73 and $93, while parts are priced between $138 and $146.
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.
How much play should a belt tensioner have?
The required measure of tension in the serpentine belt is that it should not deflect more than ½ inch when twisted either way from the middle. If twisted more, the belt is loose, and if twisted less, the belt is too tight. Either of the positions does not work for the vehicle.
Does a belt tensioner make noise?
1. Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner. The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. 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.
How much does a tensioner pulley cost?
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.
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.
How much is belt 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.
Can I drive with a bad 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.
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 happens if belt tensioner 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.
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.
Why is my belt tensioner shaking?
Causes of Belt Tensioner Wobbling In general, belt tensioners tend to get noisy when they fail. 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. You can even remove the belt, spin each pulley, and listen for rumbling or other noises.
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.
