Where is the belt tensioner located?

Where is the belt tensioner located?

The belt tensioner is on the front of the engine, between the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.

How do I know if my AC tensioner is bad?

1. Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner. The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.

Can I bypass an idler pulley?

Registered. Yes you probably can get a shorter belt and route it to bypass that pulley. The only thing is the belt will most likely slip every time the A/C compressor clutch is engaged.

How do I know if my idler pulley or tensioner pulley is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Idler Pulley

1. Visibly worn pulleys. One of the first symptoms of an issue with an idler pulley is visible wear on the pulley.
2. Belt squealing. Another common symptom of a possible issue with the idler pulley is squealing from the engine belts.
3. Damaged bearing or pulley.

How long can you drive with a bad idler 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.

How much does it cost to replace the idler pulley?

The total price to replace the idler pulley typically ranges between $80 and $200, with the parts ranging between $40 and $90, and the total labor cost averaged between $40 and $110.

What happens when you have a bad tensioner pulley?

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.

What’s the difference between tensioner and idler pulley?

Idlers vs. 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. Tensioners send pressure to belts that drive pulleys while minimizing the pressure on the belt.

When should I replace my tensioner pulley?

The drive belt tensioner can wear down over time, just due to normal wear and tear. It’s a good idea to have it inspected each time you have your belt system looked at. The goal is to replace it before it actually breaks down, and causes your vehicle to run less than perfectly.

Can you remove a tensioner pulley?

If equipped with a tensioner screw, back off the tensioner screw. Then, push the alternator toward the other pulleys, loosening the belt. To loosen an NAI tensioner, loosen the locking nut or bolt, then back off the tensioner screw. Push the pulley toward the other pulleys or accessories, loosening the belt.

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.

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 sound does a bad tensioner pulley make?

Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.

How can you tell if a pulley bearing is bad?

3. A Bad Idler Pulley May Spin Excessively

1. Spin the pulley. If the pulley keeps spinning or spins for more than a few rotations, there is an issue with the bearing. It may also make a noise at normal RPMs.
2. A normal working pulley should spin for a few rotations and stop.

How much does it cost to replace a idler pulley?

What does a bad pulley bearing sound like?

Squealing. 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.

How long does it take to change a pulley?

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. How many parts need to be replaced and how long the repairs take will depend on how severe the damage is. If the pulley is simply loose, then replacing it will be simple and straightforward.