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. This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model.
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How do you know if your tensioner pulley is going out?
Common signs include grinding or squeaking noises coming from the belt, unusual belt wear, and belt-driven accessories like the alternator failing.
Can a tensioner pulley be replaced?
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 you tighten a tensioner pulley?
What is the difference between idler pulley and tensioner pulley?
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.
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 does it take to replace a tension 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. Tensioner pulley.
Should I replace belt tensioner or just pulley?
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.
How long do tensioner pulleys last?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a BMW?
Typically, a serpentine belt replacement may cost around $100-$195. This includes both labor charges ($75-$120) and spare parts ($25-$75).
What happens if tensioner pulley breaks?
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.
Can a belt tensioner make noise?
Tensioner noise A squeaking or rattling noise coming from the tensioner indicates wear on the tensioner’s internal components and impending tensioner failure.
What does a loose belt sound like?
A loose drive belt will often be noisy, squeaking a bit, or emitting a high-pitched squeal. The most obvious sign of a loose drive belt, though, is in its appearance and tension.
Can a loose serpentine belt cause rough idle?
So if you have searched for answers to the question, can a bad serpentine belt cause rough idle? The answer is yes.
How do you adjust a belt tensioner?
Can you lubricate belt tensioner?
How often should I change 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.
Does a idler pulley make 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.
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.
What kind of noise does a bad tensioner pulley make?
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.
What sound does a bad belt tensioner make?
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 do you test a bad belt tensioner?
How do you fix a squeaky pulley?
How much does a new pulley 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. These prices do not include added taxes and fees charged by the auto shop.
How do you clean a tensioner pulley?
A stiff wire brush, a small flat-blade screwdriver or sometimes even a pick may be used. Again working with the engine off, rotate the affected pulley by hand to make sure its entire running surface is clean. Flat-sided roller pulleys can be cleaned easily with light sanding to remove accumulated spall.