Table of Contents
The idler pulley is a common part that’s found on the majority of the vehicles on the road. Its primary function is to provide tension and guide the engine drive belt. The pulley spins against the belt wearing down both parts. This wear reduces tension which can lead to belt slippage.
What happens when idler pulley goes bad?
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.
What are the signs of a bad idler pulley?
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.
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.
What is the difference between an idler pulley and tensioner pulley?
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 does it cost to replace an idler pulley?
Idler Pulley Replacement 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.
What sound does a bad idler 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 long does it take to replace an 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 a bad idler pulley cause vibration?
Grinding noises – Grinding and rumbling noises are another common sign of tensioner or idler pulley failure, usually due to failing bearings. Excessive tensioner movement – Worn-out coil springs can also cause drive belt tensioners to loosen their grip on the drive belt, resulting in excessive vibration and rattling.
What causes serpentine belt to keep breaking?
Serpentine belt problems usually result from one of three causes: a defective belt tensioner; misalignment of a pulley; or, defective bearings in the tensioner, idler, or one of accessories driven by the belt (including the water pump).
How much does it cost to replace a pulley and serpentine belt?
Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.
How long can you drive with a worn serpentine belt?
There are a couple of factors influencing the answer to this question, but on average, your car should be able to run between 20-90 minutes with a broken serpentine belt. The engine will overheat faster without a functioning cooling system on a hot day, so your driving window is less.
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.
Why is it called an idler pulley?
The idler pulley is aptly named because it does just that: idles. Unlike drive pulleys, which are driven by a motor and a shaft, the idler pulley doesn’t turn on its own power. Although, the crankshaft pulley is the only one that turns the belt. The belt turns the motors in the accessories.
Is an idler pulley supposed to spin?
It definitely will not spin freely. The new idler pulley doesn’t seem defective, it spins freely in my hand but once i bolt it to the engine it doesn’t spin free. Do new idler pulleys need to be “broken in”? Did you over torque the bolt that holds it down?Aug 15, 2018.
How do I know if my pulley serpentine belt is bad?
Symptoms of a Bad Timing Belt Pulley Shaky, or Otherwise Incumbered Belt Motion. Visible Wear On Your Pulleys. Belt “Squealing” or “Whining” Noises. Knocking or Slapping Noises. Damaged Bearings or Pulleys. What if the Pulley Seems Fine, But There’s Still an Issue? Need to Replace Your Timing Belt Pulleys?.
Can a bad idler pulley cause misfire?
As far as I know, nothing that has anything to do with the idler pulley could cause the engine to misfire. It’s just too much coincidence that something else would go bad immediately after this repair.
How much does it cost to get a pulley replace?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a water pump pulley?
Water Pump Pulley Replacement pricing for various cars Cars Estimate Average Dealer Price 2009 Honda Element $413 $456.79 2008 Toyota Camry $165 $177.69 2008 Ford Edge $291 $308.48 2008 Cadillac DTS $193 $210.54.
When should a timing belt be replaced on a pulley?
SKF recommends replacing timing belts, tensioner and idlers at 60,000 to 80,000 miles to prevent unnecessary damage to your engine.
