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.
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How do you know when belt tensioner is bad?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a belt tensioner assembly?
The Average Cost to Replace your Car’s Drive Belt Tensioner is Between $235 and $267, Depending on Whether You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
How long does it take to replace a belt tensioner?
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 replace a tensioner pulley?
Your local repair shop will charge you an hour or two to replace one idler pulley. But if you have the tensioner pulley, serpentine belt, and all idler pulleys changed at the same time, it will likely add just one more hour to labor costs while completely replacing the serpentine belt system.
Can I 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.
How long can you drive with a bad tensioner pulley?
So, how long can you drive with a bad idler pulley? The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. You should be concerned if the vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises. The car can still run for months or break after a few days.
Should I replace my belt tensioner with my belt?
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.
What happens if tensioner pulley breaks?
It should be noted that the drive belt itself will most likely need replacing before the tensioner does. Drive belts typically last anywhere between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. There aren’t a lot of warning signs that a drive belt tensioner has hit the end of its lifespan, in fact there is really only one.
Should I replace the tensioner or just the pulley?
When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise.
How much does a tensioner replacement cost?
If the pulley is damaged, replace the tensioner assembly not just the pulley. If an idler pulley is damaged, inspect the tensioner also because vibrations caused by a bad idler pulley may damage the tensioner.
What happens if you don’t replace tensioner?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for drive belt tensioner replacement is between $241 and $281. Labor costs are estimated between $83 and $104 while parts are priced between $158 and $177. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
Is a belt tensioner the same as a pulley?
When the timing belt tensioner fails, the timing belt becomes too loose. It may lose enough tension to stop turning the camshaft, or it may slip off. In either case, the camshaft stops turning (or doesn’t turn as much as it should). In an interference engine, this is very bad news.
Does belt tensioner affect acceleration?
An idler pulley is a bearing with a pulley that changes the direction of motion of a belt. It is generally fixed in position. A tensioner is an idler pully that is mounted on a moveable mount so that it maintains tension on a belt.
Can a bad belt tensioner cause power steering problems?
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 sound does a bad belt tensioner make?
Typically a damaged belt tensioner will not impact vehicle performance. It would cause the serpentine or drive belt to wear prematurely or to squeak – but not cause the acceleration issue.
What kind of noise does a bad tensioner pulley make?
If you don’t replace your tensioner when it’s worn, it can cause further damage to your power steering, alternator and air conditioning, all of which are powered by the drive belt.
Can I tighten my tensioner pulley?
How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a BMW?
A bad timing belt tensioner noise is a noticeable symptom that starts like a whining sound within the car’s engine. You would hear a knocking sound if the timing belt goes loose due to a bad tensioner since the connected parts would start hitting the belt cover.
How often should belt tension be checked?
Belt tension should be checked periodically, about every three to six months. A more frequent inspection for noise or vibration is recommended. Under-tensioned belts can slip, generating heat that often results in cracking and eventual belt failure.
How often should a tensioner be replaced?
If you hear a chirping or screeching sound from your car, it could have a bad idler pulley, bad tensioner pulley, bad water pump pulley, or another type of bad pulley. These steps explain how to inspect a bad pulley in your car and what you can do to fix it yourself.
Can you lubricate belt tensioner?
Is timing belt the same as tensioner?
Typically, a serpentine belt replacement may cost around $100-$195. This includes both labor charges ($75-$120) and spare parts ($25-$75).
How do you remove a tensioner pulley assembly?
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.
Can a bad belt tensioner cause rough idle?
The timing belt tensioner is what applies pressure to the timing belt, keeping it tight and running smoothly. When something goes wrong, it is often the tensioner that’s the cause and not the timing belt itself.