Turn the bolt head in the center of the spring-loaded arm of the belt tensioner counterclockwise with a ratchet and socket to loosen the bolt. The tensioner will rotate freely before it comes to a stop. When the spring-loaded arm comes to a stop, continue to turn the bolt until the bolt loosens.
Which way do you loosen a tensioner pulley?
Rotate the pulley on the belt tensioner counterclockwise to relieve the tension of the belt with the proper sized socket and ratchet.
How do you loosen a spring tensioner pulley?
Turn the bolt head in the center of the spring-loaded arm of the belt tensioner counterclockwise with a ratchet and socket to loosen the bolt. The tensioner will rotate freely before it comes to a stop. When the spring-loaded arm comes to a stop, continue to turn the bolt until the bolt loosens.
How do you adjust a spring tensioner?
Turn the adjustment bolt on the side, top or bottom of the pulley counterclockwise with the ratchet and socket until the accessory belt is loose enough to remove. Tighten the tensioner pulley by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise with the ratchet and socket until the belt is tight.
How do you release tension on a tensioner?
The automatic tensioner is a pulley on a pivoting bracket. To relieve the tension, a tool is inserted onto the pulley or a square drive is provided to insert a tool or ratchet. Apply the correct tool the tensioner calls for, and turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the tension.
What sound does a bad tensioner 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.
How much does it cost to replace a tensioner pulley?
It will cost between $125 and $380 to have your pulley replaced. The labor should cost between $45 and $155 and the parts should cost between $85 and $225.
How do I know if my tensioner pulley is bad?
- Rust bleed and cracks. Appearance: Rust is bleeding between arm and base or dripping from the tensioner. ...
- Pulley bearing wear. ...
- Pulley wear. ...
- Tensioner assembly misalignment. ...
- Tensioner noise. ...
- Tensioner arm misalignment. ...
- Excessive tensioner arm oscillation. ...
- Binding or grinding tensioner arm movement.
Which way do you turn a tensioner?
Rotate the pulley on the belt tensioner counterclockwise to relieve the tension of the belt with the proper sized socket and ratchet. Slide the belt off of the belt tensioner pulley. Let the belt hang down.
Is the tensioner pulley supposed to move?
Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely . Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.
Can a belt tensioner be adjusted?
Not all types of drive belt systems can be adjusted. Cars equipped with an automatic belt tensioner adjust themselves over time and do not require adjustment . This article shows you the process to adjust drive belts on a pivot-style belt adjuster.
How does a spring loaded tensioner work?
How Does a Belt Tensioner Work? ... The belt runs over a variety of pulleys. As the engine speeds up and slows down, the belt can stretch or lose some tension , which can cause it to jump off a pulley. The belt tensioner applies the proper pressure needed to keep the belt aligned and running smoothly.
Can you over tighten a tensioner pulley?
If you can turn it more than a 1/2 turn, you do not have enough tension on the belt . Over-tightened belts can cause internal damage to the bearings inside the pulleys. ... It can also cause overheating of the belts and premature wear.
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 does a bad belt tensioner sound like?
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. Symptom 2: Knocking or slapping. ... This can cause a slapping or knocking noise.
What happens if the tensioner pulley fails?
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.
