What is tensioner and idler pulley?
An idler pulley is a bearing with a pulley that changes the direction of motion of a belt. It is generally fixed in position. A tensioner is an idler pully that is mounted on a moveable mount so that it maintains tension on a belt.
Why do I need an idler tensioner pulley?
The idler tensioner pulley guides all of the drive belts. It is needed to route the belts around all of the accessories. With an idler pulley, the belts are aligned properly for a smooth rotation, ensuring that the function of your vehicle operates as it should.
What causes idler pulley to loose drive belt?
This typically occurs if there is already significant deterioration in the idler pulley hardware. This can lead to a rather loose pulley, unable to maintain the tension on the drive belt system so that the drive will not slacken. This can also push the drive belt off the idler pulley resulting in belt travel.
Where is the idler pulley located on a car?
Plus, the squealing noise is going to become consistently louder, creating an annoying ride. The idler pulley and belt are located near the front of the engine. You will see the belt rotating in conjunction with the engine. You can find the idler pulley when you look at the serpentine belt moving on the engine.
Why does the idler pulley make a squealing noise?
When the serpentine belt breaks, you have bigger problems to deal with. The engine might stall or overheat as a result. Plus, the squealing noise is going to become consistently louder, creating an annoying ride. The idler pulley and belt are located near the front of the engine.
What noise does a bad tensioner pulley make?
Any noise that sounds like a squealing, whirling, or chirping might be a sign that the tensioner is weakening. The pulley bearings should be ruled out first because loose bearings can also cause such a noise.
How do you remove a tensioner pulley?
Hold the tension from the belt, and slip the belt off the auto tensioner pulley to remove the belt and pulley system. Slowly release the tension to avoid damage or injury, and then remove the tool from the belt auto tensioner.
What are the signs of a bad belt tensioner?
The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started.
What is tension pulley?
Tension pulleys are belt pulley systems that have at least one pulley wheel , or “block,” that is not in a fixed position. This movable block is placed in a manner within the pulley system that allows it to decrease the amount of tension on the belt that the pulley system is driving. A bicycle’s gearing mechanism is an example of a tension pulley.