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.
Can you replace a belt tensioner yourself?
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.
How do I know if my pulley tensioner is bad?
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.
How long does it take to replace a belt tensioner?
It should only take
about an hour of work
for the replacement, but sometimes it can be more, which can drive up the labor costs, and that varies from one car to the next.
How do you know if your serpentine belt tensioner is bad?
The symptoms of a loose serpentine belt include
a loud squealing noise when the engine is started
or when the steering is turned all the way to one side. A serpentine belt that keeps slipping off the pulley is another symptom of a bad tensioner.
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 much does it cost to replace a tensioner pulley?
You will pay somewhere
between $125 and $380
to have your tensioner pulley replaced. The labor should run between $45 and $155, while parts can cost as little as $85 or as much as $225.
When should I replace my tensioner?
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 noise does a bad pulley make?
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.
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.
How much does it cost to replace a tensioner belt?
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. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.
How expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt?
A typical serpentine belt start at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself, and it may save you paying labor charges somewhere between $75 and $120. All together, you’re looking at
around $100 to $195
to replace your serpentine belt.
How much does it cost to replace a drive belt?
The driving belt replacement cost is usually just
between $100 and $200
in most cases, with the belt and part itself costing between $28 and $80, while the labor costs will be between $75 and $120 total.
Can a car run without a serpentine belt?
Under
no circumstances
can you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. … Without the serpentine belt, the power steering pump, which provides hydraulic pressure, no longer functions.
Why is my belt tensioner shaking?
Causes of Belt Tensioner Wobbling
In general,
belt tensioners tend to get noisy when they fail
. If your belt tensioner is chirping or makes other noises, it is often an indication that the part is old and needs to be replaced. You can even remove the belt, spin each pulley, and listen for rumbling or other noises.
What does a bad drive belt tensioner sound like?
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.
