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.

Should a belt tensioner bounce at idle?

Absolutely you'll see it bouncing slightly. The reason is, the belt will stretch and contract slightly as the engine speeds up/slows down. The tensioner provides two different functions: Provides tension to keep the serpentine belt tight during operation.

Is the tensioner pulley supposed to 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 do I know if my 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.

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.

DIY: Ilder/Tensioner Pulley Troubleshooting

Are belt tensioners supposed to shake?

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.

Can a loose belt cause shaking?

The timing belt can cause engine vibrations if it is not adjusted or worn out. If the belts are loose or worn out, they can cause other parts of the engine to not work properly, which can cause strange noises and shaking.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?

Yes, a timing belt can cause rough idle.

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.

Are tensioners supposed to move?

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

When should I replace my belt tensioner?

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.

Can a bad tensioner cause loss of power?

If the tensioner's wear leads to the belt fully dislodging, likely through seizing, each of the components that rely on the belt for power will be lost. This means your vehicle's air conditioning, alternator, smog equipment, water pump, and power steering will be lost if the belt dislodges.

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.

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.

Is my idler pulley 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 much tension should a belt tensioner have?

Use a ruler to check the belt's tension.

Instead, use a ruler to measure the distance between the two furthest pulleys and find the midway point. Pinch that point between your index finger and thumb and move it back and forth. The belt should have about a half an inch of play when at the appropriate tightness.

What happens if timing belt is to tight?

If the timing belt is insufficiently tense, there is a danger that it will ping off. If it is too tight, all of the bearings will be stressed, which is definitely also a bad thing. You'll notice this thanks to the loud running noise. In the worst-case scenario, the belt can even snap.

Can a loose serpentine belt cause vibration?

Whether it's the timing belt, v-belts, or serpentine belt, if they are loose, it can cause some serious engine vibration. Loose belts may also cause your car to create an annoying squealing sound.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt?

A typical serpentine belt start at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself, and it may save you paying labor charges somewhere between $75 and $120. All together, you're looking at around $100 to $195 to replace your serpentine belt.

Why is my idler pulley vibrating?

Grinding and rumbling noises are also common signs of tensioner or idler pulley failure, which are usually caused by bearings failing. A worn-out coil spring can also cause excessive tensioner movement, which can result in excessive vibration and rattling on the drive belt.

What causes belt flutter?

Cause: When in motion, the belt makes contact with a foreign object in its path such as a flange or bolt. This may be caused by improper belt tension or by belt flutter (vibrations) on longer span lengths between two pulleys.