- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Raise the front of the vehicle and safely support it with jackstands.
- Remove the right front splash shield.
- Release tension by rotating the tensioner clockwise.
- Remove the belt and install a replacement.
- Proper belt tension is maintain by the dynamic tension.
- Install the right front splash shield. Lower the front of the vehicle.
- Connect the negative battery cable.
Full Answer
How long does it take to replace a belt tensioner?
Depending on the vehicle, the drive belt tensioner will last up to 125,000 miles, but in some cases, it might need replacing as early as 50,000 miles. It only takes about 15 minutes to an hour for a mechanic to complete the job.
How do you remove the tensioner?
Use the extension/breaker bar on the grooved pulley tensioner arm, rotate the tensioner counter clockwise to remove the pin/bolt. Slowly allow the tensioner to rotate in a clockwise direction until the tensioner reaches the low stop. Remove the three bolts that attach the tensioner to the engine.
How do I know if my belt tensioner needs replacing?
Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.
How long does it take to replace a tensioner pulley?
Your local repair shop will charge you an hour or two to replace one idler pulley. But if you have the tensioner pulley, serpentine belt, and all idler pulleys changed at the same time, it will likely add just one more hour to labor costs while completely replacing the serpentine belt system.
What tool do I need to loosen a belt tensioner?
Use a ratchet or breaker bar that fits into the bolt and release the tensioner.
How do you know if a tensioner is bad?
Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or 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.
Is a belt tensioner hard to replace?
Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today's automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.
Can you drive with a worn belt 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.
What sound does a bad belt tensioner make?
A bad timing belt tensioner noise is a noticeable symptom that starts like a whining sound within the car's engine. You would hear a knocking sound if the timing belt goes loose due to a bad tensioner since the connected parts would start hitting the belt cover.
How much does it cost to replace a belt tensioner?
The average cost for drive belt tensioner replacement is between $241 and $281. Labor costs are estimated between $83 and $104 while parts are priced between $158 and $177. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Is a belt tensioner the same as a 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.
How much does a belt tensioner cost to replace?
A belt tensioner replacement can cost anywhere between $140 to $400, depending on the parts needed (idler pulley, bearings, etc.) and the labor costs. Usually, labor costs around $70 to $80 when the replacement takes about an hour.
How do you remove tension from a pulley tensioner?
0:463:48How to Remove Tensioner Pulley -Up Close- Same for many Vehicles.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you normally you want to pull up on it like that and when you pull up on it that's actuallyMoreAnd then you normally you want to pull up on it like that and when you pull up on it that's actually going to release the tension. That's on your belt.
How do you remove a tension serpentine belt?
The way to remove tension will be to pivot the tensioner using a tool (1) on the nut of the tensioner pulley, or (2) a special tool-lug outcropping from the tensioner or (3) in a square opening in the bracket of the tensioner pulley, cover or cap that protects the spring.
How do I loosen my idler pulley?
0:553:40How to Remove Idler Pulley - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your socket sucker wrench and socket out of there because it'll get stuck in there you'll beMoreTake your socket sucker wrench and socket out of there because it'll get stuck in there you'll be loosening loose and loosening and then all of a sudden.
How do you tighten a loose tensioner?
0:592:19How To Check & Adjust Serpentine Drive Belt Tension On Your CarYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut they can also be located on the power steering pump or even the air conditioner compressor firstMoreBut they can also be located on the power steering pump or even the air conditioner compressor first loosen the pivot bolt and lock bolt. Next adjust the tension bolt.
How to check drive belt tension?
The deflection method will be used in the following belt replacement instructions. A rule of thumb for checking belt tension by the deflection method is to determine the midpoint between two pulleys of the drive belt and press down at that point with moderate thumb pressure. The belt should deflect to the measurement indicated in the following installation procedures. Adjustment is necessary if the belt is either too loose or too tight. WARNING
What happens if a belt is too tight?
A belt adjustment which is either too loose or too tight will eventually damage the accessory that belt is driving. A too loose adjustment allows free-play in the belt which could transfer a whipping motion or shock to the accessory drive pulley. Similarly, a belt which is too tight will preload the accessory bearings, leading to early failure.
