What causes a belt tensioner to 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.

Why do belt tensioners fail?

As the damper wears, the tensioner arm can bounce away from the belt, causing excessive belt slippage. This will in turn induce excessive heat into the belt, which will lead to premature belt failure.

How long does a belt tensioner last?

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.

What goes bad on a belt tensioner?

How do you know if a 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.

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

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. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.

Is it safe to drive with a bad belt 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.

What happens when tensioner pulley goes bad?

Symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley include difficulty starting the car, loud grinding or screeching noises, a loose engine belt, and a lack of power when trying to speed up the vehicle.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?

Yes, a timing belt can cause rough idle. Timing belt controls the opening and closing of engine valves at a precise time interval through various types of mechanisms like cams, gears, linkages, etc.

How much does it cost to replace 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.

Do I really need to replace belt tensioner?

The drive belt tensioner can wear down over time, just due to normal wear and tear. It's a good idea to have it inspected each time you have your belt system looked at. The goal is to replace it before it actually breaks down, and causes your vehicle to run less than perfectly.

Should I replace the tensioner when I 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.

How often should you change timing belt tensioner?

Unlike the timing belt itself, the tensioner doesn't necessarily have a manufacturer's recommended change interval. In almost all cases, the timing belt tensioner should be replaced at the same time as the timing belt which is generally between 75,000 and 100,000 miles.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause engine shake?

It's necessary to get rid of the tensioner. Is this true? Timing belts as well as other belts which are loose or cracked can cause parts to not move or transform a regular rate of speed which can lead to vibration from the car's engine.

Can a bad tensioner cause alternator problems?

Tool Q&A Question 2: Improper tension of the drive belt may cause alternator charging issues. Step-by-step assistance for when there is no battery terminal/post corrosion and the battery is charged, but the vehicle won't start. A view of the correct serpentine belt tension.

Can a bad tensioner cause engine vibration?

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. Too little tension will also lead to belt slippage.

Can a belt tensioner make a knocking noise?

The timing belt tensioner knocking noise is a common sign that drivers notice when their car timing belt tensioner goes bad. If the timing belt goes loose, it starts “knocking” between its connected parts and would keep hitting the timing belt cover.

Can 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 idler pulley same as tensioner?

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. However, the differences between idler pulleys and tensioners also extend to purpose.

What problems can a bad 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.

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.

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.

Does the serpentine belt affect the transmission?

A Broken Serpentine Belt Could Ruin the Transmission

If your car's serpentine belt breaks, the transmission could be damaged. Almost as soon as your car's serpentine belt breaks, the engine will begin to overheat. Without the belt running, the water pump won't be able to adequately cool your engine.