How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt and tensioner? 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.
Is it hard to change a belt tensioner?
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.
What causes tensioner to fail?
The most common causes of timing belt tensioner failure include:
Wear and tear
: On a new mechanical timing belt tensioner system, the timing belt tensioner spring is wound tightly by two tension rods. Over time, the spring stretches out and loses its tension. As a result, the entire tensioner becomes too weak.
What problems can a bad tensioner cause?
Many of the engine’s accessories, such as the alternator, water pump, and AC compressor, can be belt driven. A seized or loose drive belt tensioner can cause the belt to snap, which will disables those accessories and can cause problems such as
overheating, a dead electrical system and battery, or a disabled AC system
.
How do I know if I need a new tensioner?
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.
How much does a belt tensioner cost?
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.
How long does a belt tensioner last?
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.
How much does a tensioner pulley cost?
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.
Should you replace tensioner 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 test a tensioner?
What does it sound like when a tensioner pulley is bad?
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.
Can a bad tensioner cause engine vibration?
Grinding noises – Grinding and rumbling noises are another common sign of tensioner or idler pulley failure, usually due to failing bearings. Excessive tensioner movement –
Worn-out coil springs can also cause drive belt tensioners to loosen their grip on the drive belt, resulting in excessive vibration and rattling
.
Should I replace idler pulley and tensioner?
Alternatively, idlers spin with the overarching aim of moving belts to specific positions. However,
if bearings fail, tensioner and idler pulleys both require replacement
. If there is any odd noise such as a grinding or squealing sound or if either piece wobbles, it is a sign that replacement will be necessary.
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 do I quiet a noisy belt tensioner?
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 worn serpentine belt sound like?
Symptoms of a broken serpentine belt include
loud slapping, squealing or knocking noises coming from under the hood
. The battery-shaped charging system warning light might also come on because the alternator will stop charging the battery. If a car has a hydraulic power steering pump, the steering will become stiff.
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 long does it take to change a timing belt tensioner?
Changing a timing belt and water pump can take anywhere from
1-3 hours
depending on your skill level, so make sure you have the time and space to complete the job.
How do you fix a loose 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.
How much does it cost to fix a pulley in a car?
The cost to replace the idler pulley of your driver belt will usually be somewhere
between $80 and $200
. The cost for the new part should only be anywhere from $40 to $90, while the cost of the labor will be anywhere from $40 to $110. These prices do not include added taxes and fees charged by the auto shop.
Can you replace just the pulley on a tensioner?
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.
