Table of Contents
What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?
Rust bleed and cracks. Appearance: Rust is bleeding between arm and base or dripping from the tensioner.
How do you free up a belt tensioner?
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.
How do I know if my tensioner pulley 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.
Should you replace tensioner with serpentine 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.
Can you replace tensioner pulley?
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.
Should tensioner be replaced with serpentine belt?
Tensioners add pressure from an adjustable pivot point or spring mechanism to keep your serpentine belt taut as it circulates around the engine. There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does.
How do you relieve tensioner pulleys?
Loosening the tensioner pulley is accomplished by pulling it in a direction that gives slack to the serpentine belt. This action enables the belt to be removed and for replacement or repair of motor parts. Most tensioner pulleys require a standard ratchet for loosening.
Can you tighten a tensioner pulley?
Tighten the tensioner pulley by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise with the ratchet and socket until the belt is tight. Tighten the bolt in the center of the pulley with the ratchet and socket.
How do I know if I need a new tensioner?
Listen for a fluttering” noise while driving or while the car is idling. This indicates the tensioner is too loose. Other noises such as squealing or whirling from the front of the engine mean the spring inside the tensioner is weakening. In this case, the belt tensioner needs to be replaced.