How do I know if my pulley is bad?

What does bad pulley 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.

Can you drive with a bad 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.

How can you tell if a tensioner pulley is bad?

If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.

What happens when idler pulley goes bad?

If the surface of the idler pulley wears, or the pulley seizes or binds it may cause the engine belt to squeal as a result of it rubbing against the surface of the pulley. In some instances a bad pulley may bind or slip and cause the belt to squeal when the engine is first started.

Pulley Problems: Diagnose Noise Under Your Truck / Car's Hood!

How much does it cost to replace a 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.

How long can a bad pulley last?

The time you get before they eventually fail and break down sits somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. These are pretty wide margins, but much like with any other component their life spans will depend on your driving skills and maintenance habits.

Why is my car making a whining noise when accelerating?

While the transmission is the most likely cause, whining while accelerating can also be caused by low power steering fluid or more serious damage like faulty alternator bearings, a malfunctioning water pump, a broken piston or a bad AC compressor.

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.

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.

Can a pulley make a whining noise?

Damaged or worn pulley bearings may cause a whining noise as the pulleys spin. In cases like these, it's generally best to replace the pulley or pulleys entirely.

Why is my car squeaking when I drive slow?

Why does my car squeak when driving slowly? Brake pads and discs that have been fitted poorly or are worn down will often cause a squeaking noise when you drive slowly. When you press the brake pedal, the brake caliper clamps around the pad, applying pressure to slow down the movement.

What causes a pulley to break?

Improper Tension

If a belt is not tensioned properly, it will ride too loose or too tight on the pulley. A belt that's too loose on a pulley will cause slippage, which leads to heat build up from friction. This heat will damage your rubber belts and cause the belts to crack and break.

Why is my pulley making noise?

If any tensioner pulley begins to wear out with time, it'll create more of a chirping noise. You'll also hear the chirping noise if the pulley grooves are damaged. This happens over the years due to friction, leading to cracks in the belt.

How long does it take to replace a 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.

What's the difference between tensioner and idler 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.

When should I replace my tensioner pulley?

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 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.