When should a drive belt tensioner be replaced?

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.

How do I know if my belt tensioner needs to be replaced?

Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.

Do I need to replace tensioner with drive belt?

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.

When should a tensioner bearing be replaced?

SKF recommends replacing timing belts, tensioner and idlers at 60,000 to 80,000 miles to prevent unnecessary damage to your engine. Don't forget to check for oil leaks while investigating bearing noise.

How do you test a belt tensioner?

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

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.

Should I replace idler pulley and tensioner?

Alternatively, idlers spin with the overarching aim of moving belts to specific positions. However, if bearings fail, tensioner and idler pulleys both require replacement. If there is any odd noise such as a grinding or squealing sound or if either piece wobbles, it is a sign that replacement will be necessary.

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.

When should I replace idler pulley?

An idler pulley is expected to wear over time, and eventually the pulley will fail. Replacement intervals for idler pulleys vary, but are usually within the 50,000 to 100,000 mile range. Replacement often coincides with expected serpentine/accessory belt replacement periods.

How long do drive belt tensioners 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.

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.

How long does it take to replace a tensioner pulley?

What Is Tensioner Pulley Replacement? Replacing the pulley should only take an hour or two, and the parts will vary in cost from one type of car to the next.

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.

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 much does it cost to replace a car tensioner?

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 often do you change a serpentine belt?

How often does a serpentine belt need to be replaced? Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Should you replace pulley with serpentine belt?

Indications of a Worn Out Idler Pulley

There should be no chips or cracks on the edges of the pulleys. The pulley should spin evenly and not immediately stop or grind. If you see any of these problems, you should plan to replace all the pulleys associated with the serpentine belt.

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.

How long can you 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.

Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?

Yes, a timing belt can cause rough idle.

Can a belt tensioner be adjusted?

When the belt stretches, it can begin to slip, if left unattended. Not all types of drive belt systems can be adjusted. Cars equipped with an automatic belt tensioner adjust themselves over time and do not require adjustment. This article shows you the process to adjust drive belts on a pivot-style belt adjuster.

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.

What is a drive belt tensioner?

A drive belt tensioner is a pulley mounted on a spring mechanism or adjustable pivot point that is used to keep tension on the engine belts. Spring tensioners are designed to tension automatically while the pivot design types can be adjusted manually.

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.