Is it safe to drive with a bad timing 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 timing belt tensioner?
The average cost for timing belt tensioner replacement is between $358 and $428. Labor costs are estimated between $258 and $325 while parts are priced between $100 and $102. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
When to change timing belt on Volvo 960?
See 960 Timing Belt Changefor important information regarding the timing belt change interval – which varies by model year for the 960 series – as well as the tensioner and idler pulleys which, upon failure, will destroy the belt and the cylinder head at great cost.
What does the pulley on the timing belt do?
The snakelike timing belt on the side of the engine is essential for maintaining your car’s performance. It is controlled by a round pulley called a tensioner that keeps the line taught as it rotates. More often than not, the tensioner goes bad before the timing belt does.
When to replace timing belt and tensioner bearings?
When the timing belt is replaced, other parts, including the tensioner, should be replaced at the same time. This is because these components wear out at essentially the same rate as the belt. For instance, the tensioner bearings could dry out or even seize.
What to do when your timing belt loosens?
To release pressure from the system, turn the tensioner away from the belt. Depending on your vehicle’s setup, you may need to turn it clockwise or counterclockwise. Rotate it until you notice the timing belt loosen and begin to slip off the tensioner. Always turn off the vehicle before adjusting the tensioner.