When does a belt tensioner need to be replaced?
If the tensioner arm moves more than 1/32″ the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced. The sign of a good tensioner is to only see 1/32” movement. If you see more, the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced.
How to diagnose a belt tensioner Ricks free auto repair?
As the idler roller bearing wears it makes a high pitched screeching sound. Turn on the A/C and run the engine at idle speed. Then shine a flashlight on the roller/pulley at the end of the belt tensioner arm. The tensioner arm should only move about 1/32″.
How can I check my belt tensioner bearings?
Check the tensioner and idler pulley bearings by removing the belt and spinning the pulleys by hand. All pulleys should turn freely with no binding, roughness or wobble. Any binding, roughness or wobble means these parts are bad and need to be replaced.
What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?
Squeaking or Grinding Noise. One of the most common symptoms of a failing belt tensioner is unusual noise coming from either the tensioner or the drive belts. If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning.
If the tensioner arm moves more than 1/32″ the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced. The sign of a good tensioner is to only see 1/32” movement. If you see more, the dampening mechanism is worn and the tensioner must be replaced.
Squeaking or Grinding Noise. One of the most common symptoms of a failing belt tensioner is unusual noise coming from either the tensioner or the drive belts. If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning.
As the idler roller bearing wears it makes a high pitched screeching sound. Turn on the A/C and run the engine at idle speed. Then shine a flashlight on the roller/pulley at the end of the belt tensioner arm. The tensioner arm should only move about 1/32″.
What causes low tension on a car belt?
Low installation tension (manually tensioned drives), belt stretch, extreme belt wear, tensioner spring degradation or a belt that is too long Fluid contamination on the belt (oil, power steering fluid, antifreeze, belt dressing, brake cleaner, etc.)