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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.
The belt tensioner is on the front of the engine, between the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
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.
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.
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.
There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does. However, you should inspect your tensioner each time you service your car to monitor its condition and replace it if necessary.
Symptom 1: Squealing, rattling, or chirping.
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.
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.
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.
Timing Belt Tensioner Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate. Labor costs are estimated between $257 and $325 while parts are priced between $88 and $108. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
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.
When the tensioner fails, the serpentine belt will slip off and break. When this happens, the alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor will stop working. Since there is no belt turning the pulley, the battery light will turn on, and steering will be difficult. The AC compressor will also stop working as well.
If the tensioner is worn, the belt will slip and then catch suddenly. Tensioners are more than just a spring. … The belt will slip and catch, causing noise and vibration. This can cause a change in crankshaft speed that is severe enough to cause the engine management system to think that a misfire just occurred.
If the drive belt tensioner pulley has any sort of issue it can cause unusual and accelerated wear on the belt. A bad pulley can cause fraying on the edges of the belt, and in severe cases can even cause it to break. Other symptoms of a bad belt tensioner is failure of the belt driven accessories.
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.
There are three main types of belt tensioners found in the replacement auto parts market. Each one works a little differently, but all ensure that your alternator and auxiliary pumps receive the power needed to keep your car or truck moving.
Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Pretty impressive. However, some belts are manually tensioned and may need to be adjusted.
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.
Checking the Tensioner
Spin the pulley to see if it spins freely. If you hear grinding or the pulley doesn’t spin freely, replace the tensioner. When you replace the belt, it should take a lot of muscle power to move the tensioner. … You can also check the tensioner by checking belt tension.
The most common cause of engine ticking noise is low oil pressure. … Your engine may be low on oil or there could be a problem inside the engine causing the low oil pressure. Ticking, tapping, or clicking sounds can also be symptoms of worn valve train components such as lifters or cam followers.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a failing tensioner or idler, you’ll want to watch for the following symptoms: … 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.
In particular, a faulty timing belt will make a noticeable ticking or clicking sound that is very distinct from any other noise you can expect to hear from your engine. This is the most definitive sign that you have a problem with your timing belt, in fact.
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.
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.
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