What happens when a tensioner pulley goes bad?

If the drive belt tensioner pulley has any sort of issue it can cause unusual and accelerated wear on the belt. A bad pulley can cause fraying on the edges of the belt, and in severe cases can even cause it to break. Other symptoms of a bad belt tensioner is failure of the belt driven accessories.

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.

What problems can a bad tensioner cause?

Many of the engine's accessories, such as the alternator, water pump, and AC compressor, can be belt driven. 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.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?

Yes, a timing belt can cause rough idle.

Can a bad pulley cause loss of power?

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

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

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.

When should I replace my tensioner pulley?

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.

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 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 idler pulley breaks?

Damaged bearing or pulley

A broken or seized pulley can quickly lead to a torn belt, or in less serious cases, the belt falling off of the engine. An engine without a belt can quickly run into issues such as overheating and stalling, as it's the drive belt that allows the engine accessories to function.

How much does it cost to replace a pulley?

Idler Pulley Replacement Cost

The cost to replace the idler pulley of your driver belt will usually be somewhere between $80 and $200. The cost for the new part should only be anywhere from $40 to $90, while the cost of the labor will be anywhere from $40 to $110.

How long does it take to replace a belt 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 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.

How does a bad pulley sound?

When the engine is idling, a bad pulley may make a squealing sound. This is due to the bearings in the pulley going bad. The bearings may also make various other sounds such as clattering or even a rumbling sound, making the vehicle sound as if there was much more wrong than a bad pulley.

Can a bad timing tensioner cause loss of power?

If your timing belt is not properly tensioned it will not keep the valves timed properly to the lower end and this will cause misfires, loss of power, bucking, and could even cause a no start condition.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause battery light to come on?

The car battery light will light up when the belt tensioner is failing. The battery will begin to run down due to the fact that the belt is slowing down and slipping out of its compartment. In addition, the alternator will no longer turn fast enough to power the battery.

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.

Can a loose serpentine belt cause stalling?

Can A Loose Serpentine Belt Cause Stalling? A vehicle stall can be caused by a loose alternator belt as you drive. As a result, your engine essentially shuts down, so you'll have to pull over.

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.

Can idler pulley making noise?

The most common cause of idler pulley noise is a worn pulley or a slipping serpentine belt. It can also be caused by a damaged pulley which creates a loud noise.

Can a bad idler pulley cause alternator problems?

All that happens when the belt disappears or pulleys seize is the alternator stops turning; there is NO possibility of damage to the alternator.

What happens when a car pulley goes bad?

The pulley spins against the belt wearing down both parts. This wear reduces tension which can lead to belt slippage. Even more noticeable is a cracked or damaged pulley or bearing. This damage interferes with the rotation of the belt causing torn belts, or the belt falling off of the engine.