What does a tensioner do?
A tensioner maintains the correct amount of tension on the belt at all times throughout its duty cycle. It also helps protect other components such as the alternator and water pump from undue stress and premature failure. In addition, a tensioner is a relatively inexpensive part to replace.
How much does it cost to replace a 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.
What happens when the tensioner goes 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.
Can you drive with a bad 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.
Can you drive without a tensioner pulley?
When the tensioner fails, the serpentine belt will slip off and break. When this happens, the alternator, power steering pump, and AC compressor will stop working. Since there is no belt turning the pulley, the battery light will turn on, and steering will be difficult. The AC compressor will also stop working as well.
How does a tensioner work?
Most tensioners work by holding your winch cable down against the drum, using a spring loaded bar or plate to push against the rope on the drum uniformly. Think of it as a spring-loaded roller that presses up against the winch drum (see crude diagram below).
Is the tensioner supposed to move?
It’s normal for it to move a little. That is to say it’ll rotate on it’s pivot. One may also ask, should a belt tensioner wobble? A bad belt tensioner spring will often cause the tension arm to bounce up and down with the cycling of the motor. This makes the belt wobble as the engine runs. These are definite signs that the tensioner needs replaced.
What is drive belt tensioner?
A Drive Belt Tensioner is a pulley mounted to either a spring mechanism or to an adjustable pivot point that is used to keep constant tension on your serpentine belt. That is the big long belt in the front of your engine.
What is a car tensioner?
The drive belt tensioner in your car is a small component that works in conjunction with the serpentine belt to ensure that everything in your engine works as it should. From time to time, the tensioner should be checked to ensure that it’s set correctly. Your mechanic can do this for you as part of your routine maintenance.