Table of Contents
Turn the pulley bolt counterclockwise with a ratchet and a socket. Remove the bolt, the retaining washer and the pulley. Replace the pulley, washer and bolt and tighten to specified torque illustrated in the repair manual. Replace the tensioner in the engine and replace the bolt.
Can you replace just the pulley on a tensioner?
The tensioner pulley is on the end of a spring-loaded 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.
How do you 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 much does it cost to replace a tensioner pulley?
The average for Tensioner Pulley is $302 Repair Type Zip Cost Tensioner Pulley 53760 $285 Tensioner Pulley 62089 $350 Tensioner Pulley 91229 $587 Tensioner Pulley 91762 $300.
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.
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.
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.
When should I replace my tensioner pulley?
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.
How hard is it 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 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 long does it take to replace a tensioner?
It should only take about an hour of work for the replacement, but sometimes it can be more, which can drive up the labor costs, and that varies from one car to the next.
How long does it take to replace idler pulley?
If you are doing the job at home, give yourself about four hours to change all the parts. You will need the following tools and parts: Replacement idler pulley.
Can you tighten a tensioner pulley?
Turn the adjustment bolt on the side, top or bottom of the pulley counterclockwise with the ratchet and socket until the accessory belt is loose enough to remove. Tighten the tensioner pulley by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise with the ratchet and socket until the belt is tight.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 the idler pulley on the tensioner?
No. An idler pulley is simply a wheel that a belt rides on. Rough idle is from ignition or fueling problems. 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.
