How much does it cost to replace 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.

How much does it cost to replace a 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.

Can you drive a car with a broken 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.

How long does it take to replace 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 does a tensioner pulley cost to replace?

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.

Belt Tensioner Pulley, How to replace (EASY and CHEAP)

How can you tell if your belt tensioner is bad?

One of the most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.

What happens if tensioner pulley 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 much does a new pulley cost?

The total price to replace an idler pulley can range between $80 and $200. This range includes the cost of the new part as well as the cost of labor. Typically, the auto parts cost ranges from $40 to $90, and the labor costs about $40 to $110. Moreover, the cost also depends on the vehicle model and parts needed.

How do you replace a tensioner?

What causes a belt tensioner to bounce?

Excessive arm movement or bounce due to a worn damper: The damper moderates the action of the tensioner spring in much the same way that a shock absorber dampens a vehicle's suspension. As the damper wears, the tensioner arm can bounce away from the belt, causing excessive belt slippage.

Can a bad tensioner cause loss of power?

Hi Brandon. Typically a damaged belt tensioner will not impact vehicle performance. It would cause the serpentine or drive belt to wear prematurely or to squeak - but not cause the acceleration issue.

How long does a tensioner pulley last?

The Owner's Manual Says that It is Time

Most modern cars that roll off the dealer's lot as a new vehicle will have a 60,000 to 100,000-mile life expectancy for the serpentine belt, tensioners, and idler pulleys.

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.

What happens if you don't replace belt tensioner?

Over time, the belt tensioner will lose its capacity to apply tension to the serpentine belt. Sometimes, the mechanism will weaken or seize up from repetitive use. Other times, the pulley itself can warp, crack, or throw a bearing. This often results in a noticeable squeaking noise from the front of the engine.

How long does it take to replace a serpentine belt and tensioner?

It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.

Do you have to replace the tensioner when you replace the serpentine belt?

Chances are, you'll replace the serpentine belt at least once before you have to replace a tensioner. In most cases, you'll replace the belt several times before the tensioner. But every time you replace the belt, you should check the tensioner. A bad tensioner could ruin a brand new belt.

Can you repair a tensioner pulley?

Turn the pulley bolt counterclockwise with a ratchet and a socket. Remove the bolt, the retaining washer and the pulley. Replace the pulley, washer and bolt and tighten to specified torque illustrated in the repair manual. Replace the tensioner in the engine and replace the bolt.

Is idler pulley same as tensioner?

Tensioners: The Main Differences Explained. 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.

Can you replace just the pulley on a belt 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 pulley should be replaced if it has a lot of resistance when you spin it.

What is a tensioner pulley?

Tensioner pulleys provide precise guidance and constant belt tension in the belt drive. They can either be mounted rigidly or combined with the tensioning elements to belt tensioners. Tensioner pulleys increase the wrap angle on belt drives and thereby transmit higher performance.

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.

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.

How do I know if I need a new belt tensioner?

The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.

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.