How tight should belt tensioner?
Pinch that point between your index finger and thumb and move it back and forth.
- The belt should have about a half an inch of play when at the appropriate tightness.
- If there is less than a half an inch, the belt will need to be loosened, if there is more, it will need to be tightened.
What happens when belt tensioner goes bad?
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.
What is the purpose of a belt tensioner?
A belt tensioner is utilized in different parts of the automobile engine, such as the serpentine belt. The main purpose of any belt tensioner is to tighten the engine belt, allowing the belt to energize congruent parts of an engine, such as the serpentine belt to the alternator.
How often should a belt tensioner be replaced?
Typically automobile experts advise a serpentine belt replacement or even a serpentine belt tensioner replacement once every three or four years, or after every 36,000 to 48,000 miles. This helps guard against unexpected belt failure which can leave you stranded and severely damage other engine components.
Do I need to replace the belt tensioner?
some front wheel drive vehicles need to have the engine supported before tensioner removal.
Is my belt tensioner bad?
A bad belt tensioner is a likely cause of belt damage. However, if your belt is old and has not been replaced in several years, it might just be normal wear and tear. Push down on the middle of the belt while the engine is off and the components are cool enough to touch.