Can you drive with a loose 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.

Is driving with a bad tensioner bad?

”It is not safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner because the belt tensioner ensures sufficient tension to power the accessories. As the tensioner wears, the belt can slip at the accessories creating noise, excessive heat at the accessory pulleys, and reduce accessory performance.

How long can I drive with a bad tensioner pulley?

In some cases, you will be able to safely drive for tens of thousands of miles before you notice any drops in performance. But, it takes only one slip of the belt for the engine to lose momentum and for you to lose control over the vehicle.

What can a loose tensioner cause?

A seized or loose drive belt tensioner can cause the belt to snap, which will disables those accessories and can cause problems such as overheating, a dead electrical system and battery, or a disabled AC system.

What happens if your tensioner 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.

How to Diagnose a Loose or Stuck Belt Tensioner on Your Car or Truck

Can you drive with a broken 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 much does it cost to replace a tensioner?

The average cost for drive belt tensioner replacement is between $235 and $267. Labor costs are estimated between $80 and $101 while parts are priced between $155 and $166. 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.

Should belt tensioner wobble at idle?

Causes of Belt Tensioner Wobbling

A wobbling belt tensioner can result from many different causes. 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.

Why is my tensioner shaking?

Why Is My Belt Tensioner Shaking? Wobbling of Belt Tensioners When belt tensioners fail, they tend to get noisy. It is often an indication that the belt tensioner is worn out and needs to be replaced if it chirps or makes other noises.

Is it safe to drive with noisy 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.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?

Yes, a timing belt can cause rough idle.

Is the tensioner pulley supposed to wiggle?

The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.

Should a serpentine belt tensioner bounce?

It is important to note that any abnormal chattering or bouncing of the tensioner arm under normal operation indicates the tensioner has already failed and should be replaced.

How often should belt tensioners be replaced?

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.

How long does it take to fix a tensioner?

Introduction. Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple DIY repair. Follow the clear photos and step-by-step instructions and you'll be done in 15 minutes.

How much is a drive 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. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.

Do I need to replace tensioner with timing belt?

Generally, the idler pulleys, tensioner and water pump should always be replaced when the timing belt is replaced. In most cases, the timing belt drives the water pump, so it is the right time to replace the water pump.

How long can you drive with squeaky belt?

That's why it's recommended that the serpentine belt is replaced early when the squealing symptoms are first noticed. Although it may be safe to drive with the squealing for a few days or weeks, the belt will eventually need to be replaced, and for safety, the earlier it's repaired, the better.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause overheating?

Another symptom of bad or failing drive belt tensioner is failure of the belt driven accessories. A seized or loose drive belt tensioner can cause the belt to snap, which will disables those accessories and can cause problems such as overheating, a dead electrical system and battery, or a disabled AC system.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause misfire?

The belt may oscillate between too little tension and too much tension. The belt will slip and catch, causing noise and vibration. This can cause a change in crankshaft speed that can be severe enough to cause the engine management system to think that a misfire just occurred.

Can a bad belt tensioner 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.

Why does belt tensioner go bad?

The most common causes of timing belt tensioner failure include: Wear and tear: On a new mechanical timing belt tensioner system, the timing belt tensioner spring is wound tightly by two tension rods. Over time, the spring stretches out and loses its tension. As a result, the entire tensioner becomes too weak.