What does a tensioner spring do?
Spring tensioners are designed to tension automatically while the pivot design types can be adjusted manually. Both are used to keep tension on the engine serpentine belts so that they can drive the various engine accessories.
What happens if your timing belt tensioner is bad?
If the tensioner is bad, it can cause the belt to come loose or cause the pulley to seize, making the belt come off. Knowing some of the signs of a bad belt tensioner can help you to prevent serious engine damage due to a timing belt failure. The timing belt tensioner is used to do just that – keep tension on the timing belt.
What’s the best way to change a timing belt?
Loosen the mounting bolt (s) holding the belt tensioner using any special cam holding tools, while following the service manual. Do not remove the tensioner completely unless replacing it. Instead, pivot the spring-loaded tensioner away from the belt and then retighten the mounting bolt (s) to hold the tensioner in the loose position.
Why is my timing belt squealing and rattling?
Average rating from 143 customers who received a Loud squealing or rattling is coming from engine Inspection. The timing belt is a critical part of the automotive engine; if it breaks, it can cause some serious damage. The belt can break due to a number of reasons, but the most common is age. One other common problem is the belt tensioner.
Can a broken timing belt be removed on an interference engine?
Don’t do this on interference engines unless you’re sure the belt is still intact. If you have not already bent your valves with a broken timing belt, you will likely do so if you spin the crankshaft without the camshaft spinning. Determine if the harmonic balancer pulley needs to be removed to remove the timing belt cover.
What is the purpose of a belt tensioner?
A belt tensioner is utilized in different parts of the automobile engine, such as the serpentine belt. The main purpose of any belt tensioner is to tighten the engine belt, allowing the belt to energize congruent parts of an engine, such as the serpentine belt to the alternator.
How often should a belt tensioner be replaced?
Typically automobile experts advise a serpentine belt replacement or even a serpentine belt tensioner replacement once every three or four years, or after every 36,000 to 48,000 miles. This helps guard against unexpected belt failure which can leave you stranded and severely damage other engine components.
Do I need to replace the belt tensioner?
- some front wheel drive vehicles need to have the engine supported before tensioner removal.
- remove engine mount retainer nuts.
- the engine will become loose during this step.
- Once all mounting bolts and nuts have been removed the engine mount can be removed.
Is my belt tensioner bad?
A bad belt tensioner is a likely cause of belt damage. However, if your belt is old and has not been replaced in several years, it might just be normal wear and tear. Push down on the middle of the belt while the engine is off and the components are cool enough to touch.