What causes a tensioner pulley 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.

How long do tensioner pulleys 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.

What causes tensioner pulley to break?

The belt can break due to a number of reasons, but the most common is age. One other common problem is the belt tensioner. If the tensioner is bad, it can cause the belt to come loose or cause the pulley to seize, making the belt come off.

What happens when the tensioner goes bad?

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 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.

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.

How do you test a tensioner?

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.

Is an idler pulley the same as an 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.

Should I replace the tensioner when I replace the serpentine belt?

Tensioners add pressure from an adjustable pivot point or spring mechanism to keep your serpentine belt taut as it circulates around the engine. There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does.

Can a tensioner pulley be replaced?

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.

Can a bad pulley cause loss of power?

Technically speaking, yes, an idler pulley will result in a slight power loss.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause power steering problems?

Bad Serpentine Belts Cause Vehicle Performance Issues

Your air conditioning or power steering may fail to work or not work properly. You may notice your vehicle battery failing to recharge if the alternator is affected by a bad serpentine belt.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?

Yes, a timing belt can cause rough idle.

Can a bad tensioner pulley cause engine 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.

Is a tensioner pulley supposed to vibrate?

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.

Is the tensioner pulley supposed to wiggle?

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

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 often should I replace my belt tensioner?

When to Replace Your 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.

What is the lifespan of a serpentine belt?

On average, serpentine belts should last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, if you're only putting a few thousand miles annually on your vehicle, don't use that mileage interval as the sole guide for when to replace the serpentine belt.

How long does it take to change idler 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.