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 replace a tensioner 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.
How much does it cost to get a belt tensioner replaced?
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.
Can you drive with a broken 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 do drive belt tensioners last?
When to Replace Your Belt Tensioner
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.
34 related questions foundHow do I know if I need a new belt tensioner?
One of 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.
Should you replace tensioner with 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.
What happens if your tensioner 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.
What causes tensioner to fail?
A seized tensioner cannot maintain proper belt tension. Dirt or mud can also jam the tensioner housing. A loose or worn pivot arm can allow unwanted movement; that results in belt noise and misalignment. Over time, this will increase belt wear and lead to premature belt failure.
What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?
Belt Noise
As these belts wear out, they can begin to squeak or squeal. They make noise because there is not enough tension on the belt, or because the pulleys are misaligned or weak. Often, simply changing the belt will make it stop squealing. The noise isn't usually a danger, though it does sound alarming.
How long does it take to replace a serpentine belt and tensioner?
It can take anything from 15 minutes to an hour (two at the most) to repair or replace a bad serpentine belt with a new belt.
What causes timing belt tensioner to break?
Causes Of Timing Belt Tensioner Failure
Over time, the spring stretches out and loses its tension. As a result, the entire tensioner becomes too weak. Dirt and dust build-up on the timing belt tensioner pulley: When this happens, the pulley will fail to support the timing belt. It may cause the timing belt to slip off.
Can a belt tensioner leak?
As suggested in its name, a tensioner ensures the various belts—mainly the timing and serpentine belts—remain tight with the proper tension. The hydraulic oil that maintains this tension can seep out of the tensioner. When it does the associated engine belts become loose. A car that leaks oil is not an uncommon sight.
How much does it cost to fix a 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.
How many tensioners does a car have?
There are three main types of belt tensioners found in the replacement auto parts market. Each one works a little differently, but all ensure that your alternator and auxiliary pumps receive the power needed to keep your car or truck moving.
How much does it cost to replace a belt pulley?
The average cost for drive belt idler pulley replacement is between $132 and $157. Labor costs are estimated between $63 and $80 while parts are priced between $69 and $77. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
How do you check a belt tensioner?
BELT TENSIONER CHECKS
The tensioner and idler pulley bearings can be checked by removing the belt and spinning the pulleys by hand. All pulleys should turn freely with no binding, roughness or wobble. Any binding, roughness or wobble means these parts are bad and need to be replaced.
Why is my belt 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 does the drive belt tensioner do?
A tensioner maintains the correct amount of tension on the belt at all times throughout its duty cycle. It also helps protect other components such as the alternator and water pump from undue stress and premature failure.
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.
What happens if you don't replace tensioner?
Be sure to stress how damaged their engine can get if they refuse a replacement. 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).
How do I know if my tensioner is bad?
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.
How long does it take to change timing belt?
Replacing the timing belt is an expensive service. It is an intricate, labor-intensive process that can take 4–8 hours, depending on the vehicle. But replacing the timing belt before it breaks will prevent engine damage and save you money in the long run.
How easy is it to change a serpentine belt?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today's automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
