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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 does a bad pulley tensioner sound like?
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 can you tell if a pulley is bad?
Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Idler Pulley Chattering, Squealing, or Chirping Sound. Corroded Surface. Excessively Loose Idler Pulley. A Bad Idler Pulley May Spin Excessively. Slow to No Spin or Binding.
What happens when a tension pulley goes bad?
The pulley spins against the belt wearing down both parts. This wear reduces tension which can lead to belt slippage. Even more noticeable is a cracked or damaged pulley or bearing. This damage interferes with the rotation of the belt causing torn belts, or the belt falling off of the engine.
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.
Can you drive with a bad tensioner pulley?
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 do you know if you need a new idler pulley?
Visual Clues of a Worn Idler Pulley Such wear decreases tension that can cause significant belt slippage. If the pulley or bearing is noticeably damaged, cracking, breaking, seizing, or otherwise coming apart, it is an indication that it requires prompt replacement.
Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?
No, not really. Generally a bad timing belt will cause a no idle condition. As in the engine will not run at all. A bad timing belt tensioner might allow a cam to jump a cog and be out of time, but you only get to jump so many cogs before very bad things happen.
How do you test a bad belt tensioner?
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.
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.
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.
What does a loose belt sound like?
A loose drive belt will often be noisy, squeaking a bit, or emitting a high-pitched squeal. The most obvious sign of a loose drive belt, though, is in its appearance and tension. Belts are used to rotate components on the engine assembly, such as a coolant pump (water pump).
How much does it cost to replace a tensioner pulley?
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.
What happens if idler pulley fails?
A damaged pulley can cause the drive or serpentine belt to dislodge. If that happens, all components that derive power from that belt will stop functioning. On most vehicles, these parts include the alternator, water pump, power steering, air conditioning system, and different exhaust components.
Can loose belt cause alternator?
Battery / Alternator Warning Light As the alternator or serpentine belt is powering the alternator, it will, of course, cause the alternator to struggle when the belt is loose. There is a battery warning light on your dashboard in most car models, which will light up when there is a problem with the charging system.
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.
Why is my tensioner pulley squealing?
When this happens, they usually either partly seize or allow the pulley shaft to wobble. If the bearings partly seize, the belt slipping over the pulley will cause squealing. If you hear a chirping or squealing noise, you’ve found the part with the bad bearing.
Why is my car making a high-pitched squealing noise?
Belt noise If you hear a high-pitched squeal from a car when moving, it is most probably caused by a loose belt in the engine bay. There is a belt in the engine that drives the pulleys that power the auxiliary systems like the power steering, and air-conditioning. For a permanent solution, you need to tighten the belt.
