How does a belt tensioner work on a belt?
Locate the belt tensioner per belt routing diagram. The automatic tensioner is a pulley on a pivoting bracket. To relieve the tension, a tool is inserted onto the pulley or a square drive is provided to insert a tool or ratchet. Apply the correct tool the tensioner calls for, and turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the tension.
How do you loosen tension on a drive belt?
There are three ways to loosen tension on a drive belt, depending on the vehicle. The most common way in today’s vehicles is an automatic belt tensioner. This application is used on serpentine belts, which connect to every pulley of the engine. Older vehicles may have drive belts that were removed by pivoting an alternator to release tension.
How to loosen a tensioner on a car?
How to Loosen a Tensioner 1 Open the hood and locate the drive belt (s). Either locate the serpentine belt routing diagram in the engine compartment, or refer to the repair manual. 2 Determine the type of tension applied to the belt you’re replacing. 3 Locate the belt tensioner per belt routing diagram.
How do you remove a belt from an idler?
Loosen the bolt with a ratchet and socket until tension is relieved on the belt. Locate the idler pulley and loosen the center retaining bolt using a wrench and turning the bolt counterclockwise. Once you can wiggle the pulley, you will be able to remove the belt from the pulley groove.
There are three ways to loosen tension on a drive belt, depending on the vehicle. The most common way in today’s vehicles is an automatic belt tensioner. This application is used on serpentine belts, which connect to every pulley of the engine. Older vehicles may have drive belts that were removed by pivoting an alternator to release tension.
Locate the belt tensioner per belt routing diagram. The automatic tensioner is a pulley on a pivoting bracket. To relieve the tension, a tool is inserted onto the pulley or a square drive is provided to insert a tool or ratchet. Apply the correct tool the tensioner calls for, and turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen the tension.
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.
How can I increase the tension on my serpentine belt?
Increase the tension on the belt. If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt.
How do you adjust the tension on a serpentine belt?
Locate the adjuster bolt on the belt tensioner used to secure the serpentine belt, and adjust the tension by loosening or tightening the adjuster bolt with a racthet and socket while you simultaneously move the belt back and forth gently to find the proper tension.
What happens if your belt tensioner is not adjusted?
As such, if your belt tensioner is not adjusted correctly, components like the alternator, power steering pump and water pump will not function properly. The good news is, adjusting it is a fairly simple procedure, so you can save a good deal of money by doing the job yourself.
When do you know you have the right tension on your belt?
You will know that you have the right amount of tension when you can twist the belt about half a turn with your thumb and finger. Less than half a turn is too much tension, and more than half a turn is not enough.
What causes a belt tensioner pulley to squeak?
Tensioner pulley wear will cause your pulley to squeak. A worn out pulley bearing or a worn spring in the tension pulley can also cause squeaking or a chirp. I show you how to use water to identify what type of squeak problem you have and then how to find the problem.