Why is my new tensioner pulley squealing?
There is usually a build up of grease and oil down by the crank too, often the belt gets wet and slips, causing a squeak.
How to troubleshoot a tensioner pulley noise?
Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise just far enough to slip the serpentine belt off the pulley closest to the belt (or pulley easiest for you to reach, depending on what kind of vehicle you’re working on). Rotate the tensioner back into position. Shine the flashlight on the tensioner pulley and examine the pulley face.
Why does the tensioner make a squeaking noise?
Since the tensioner is not able to maintain the correct tension on the belts, it produces a squealing or squeaking sound. This is most evident on the drive belts. If the noise you hear is similar to a grinding sound, then it is possible that the tensioner bearings or the tensioner pulley is the problem.
What kind of pulley does a belt tensioner use?
A belt tensioner that consists of a bolt plate that mounts on the engine, a spring-loaded arm and a pulley applies tension to the belt. The pulley itself has an outer ring and an inner bearing.
How does a serpentine belt tensioner work?
Most modern vehicles use a serpentine belt to run the engine accessories such as the power steering, air conditioning and alternator. The belt routes around the pulleys in a serpent-like manner, hence the name. A belt tensioner that consists of a bolt plate that mounts on the engine, a spring-loaded arm and a pulley applies tension to the belt.
Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise just far enough to slip the serpentine belt off the pulley closest to the belt (or pulley easiest for you to reach, depending on what kind of vehicle you’re working on). Rotate the tensioner back into position. Shine the flashlight on the tensioner pulley and examine the pulley face.
Why does my pulley make a noise when I spin it?
If there’s evidence of glazing on the pulley surface, the belt has been slipping on it. Spin the tensioner pulley by hand and listen to it. If the bearing is good, the pulley will spin freely, straight and true, without any noise. If that’s not the case, you have a bad bearing and must replace the tensioner.
A belt tensioner that consists of a bolt plate that mounts on the engine, a spring-loaded arm and a pulley applies tension to the belt. The pulley itself has an outer ring and an inner bearing.
Most modern vehicles use a serpentine belt to run the engine accessories such as the power steering, air conditioning and alternator. The belt routes around the pulleys in a serpent-like manner, hence the name. A belt tensioner that consists of a bolt plate that mounts on the engine, a spring-loaded arm and a pulley applies tension to the belt.