How long can I drive with a squeaky 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 happens when your 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.

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.

What happens if you don't replace idler pulley?

What Happens when an Idler Pulley Fails? If a pulley seizes up, it will increase friction and wear on the serpentine belt. A rough edge on a pulley can grab at the belt and actually rip off parts of the belt. Once your serpentine belt fails, you can lose your power steering, engine coolant system, and air conditioning.

Why is my idler pulley squealing?

Idler pulley slippage is likely to follow after it becomes worn out enough. This will cause the pulley to bind and then rub against the engine belt. As a result, there will be squealing noises coming from the engine area that will only get worse until the pulley is replaced.

How To Locate A Noisy Idler Pulley

How much does it cost to replace idler pulley?

And how long the repair takes and what parts get replaced depends on the severity of the damage. 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.

How long do idler pulleys last?

An idler pulley is a simple device used to keep tension on an accessory belt. The pulley will fail eventually because it will wear over time. Replacement intervals for idler pulleys range from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

Is it safe to drive a car that squeaks?

Belt pulley squeals/chirps/squawks: Most drivers have heard this one at least once in their commuting careers. About the only time it's safe to ignore this is when it only occurs momentarily on start-up on cold damp mornings.

Is it safe to drive a squeaking car?

A squeaking noise coming from your car's suspension could signal a significant problem. The suspension system absorbs the shocks and vibrations from bumps, potholes and other defects on the road. It normally provides a smooth ride, but a squealing noise could indicate wear and tear in the springs or shock absorbers.

Can you drive with noisy fan belt?

It's recommended to have a squealing belt immediately replaced after spotting the symptoms and signs. Although you may be free to drive with a squealing belt, the issue will be worsening over time. You can only go for a few weeks or days; replacement is necessary; the earlier, the better.

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 I know if my idler pulley is going bad?

Without a belt, stalling and overheating of the engine become commonplace. For auditory cues, squealing noise from the engine belt can be a tell-tale sign. As the pulley wears, the engine belt may squeal as it rubs against the surface of the pulley. The issue will worsen with time.

Is a tensioner pulley the same as an 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.

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 tensioner pulley?

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.

What can I put on a squeaky pulley?

Fix a Squeaky Belt With Bar Soap

A squeaky belt may be a loose belt, or there may be dirt, oil, or grease on a pulley causing the belt to slip. Bar soap applied to the ribbed side of the belt may quiet the noise in the short-haul, or make it louder.

Is it safe to use a squeaky dryer?

A: A dryer squeaking is definitely not normal wear and tear. It usually indicates that a part has worn out and needs repair. First, try to identify the location of the squeak: top, back, front, or bottom (and make sure the squeaking isn't coming from the floor).