Where is the belt tensioner located?
The belt tensioner is on the front of the engine, between the crankshaft and alternator pulleys.
How do you check a timing belt tensioner?
Press on the belt between the pulleys. It should not move more than about ¼ inch. Tip: If the belt is loose, then the tensioner should be replaced. This is also a good time to check the timing belt.
How do you free up a belt tensioner?
If equipped with a tensioner screw, back off the tensioner screw. Then, push the alternator toward the other pulleys, loosening the belt. To loosen an NAI tensioner, loosen the locking nut or bolt, then back off the tensioner screw. Push the pulley toward the other pulleys or accessories, loosening the belt.
How much does it cost to replace a belt tensioner?
The average cost for a drive belt tensioner replacement is between $211 and $239. Labor costs are between $73 and $93, while parts are priced between $138 and $146. Taxes and fees are not included in the estimate.
How do I know if my tensioner pulley bearing is bad?
Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.
Can I drive with a bad 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 does a bouncing belt tensioner indicate?
A bad belt tensioner spring will often cause the tension arm to bounce up and down with the cycling of the motor. This makes the belt wobble as the engine runs. These are definite signs that the tensioner needs replaced.
What does a failing timing belt sound like?
A failing bad timing belt sounds like a ticking noise in front of your car when it starts wearing out. If the belt eventually breaks, it will give a whining noise when trying to start the engine. A whining noise sounds like no compression in the engine.
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt tensioner?
The average cost for timing belt tensioner replacement is between $345 and $433. Labor costs are estimated between $257 and $325 while parts are priced between $88 and $108. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
Can you drive with a bad belt tensioner?
Where is the timing belt on a transverse 4 cylinder engine?
On most transverse four-cylinder engines, you’ll have to remove the passenger-side motor mount in order to gain access to the timing belt. This means the entire powertrain needs to be supported in that area while you’re working. And finally, getting to the lower portion of multipiece timing belt covers usually requires underbody access.
When to replace a serpentine belt tensioner?
Repair Topics > Belts Serpentine & Timing > When to replace serpentine… Let’s get this straight from the get-go, a serpentine belt tensioner doesn’t last the life of the vehicle. In fact, most start to show serious wear right around the 100K mile mark. You may think a worn tensioner just means your belt loses tension; you’d be wrong.
How do you remove a timing belt from a car?
This tensioner may be an automatic hydraulic type that you simply crank in one direction to remove the old timing belt. Or, you may have to loosen the tensioner pulley adjustment bolt to release the tension and the belt. Before proceeding, confirm which way the engine rotates during normal operation.
When to replace timing belt and tensioner bearings?
When the timing belt is replaced, other parts, including the tensioner, should be replaced at the same time. This is because these components wear out at essentially the same rate as the belt. For instance, the tensioner bearings could dry out or even seize.
What is the belt tensioner on a Chevy Cavalier?
The belt tensioner on the front of the 1999 Chevy Cavalier engine is a spring-loaded component that tensions the belt as it turns around all of the accessory pulleys. When the motor is running, the belt travels around the alternator pulley, crankshaft pulley, power-steering pump pulley, air-conditioner pulley and the water pump pulley.
Where is the belt tensioner on a car?
Open the hood, and prop it up. Move to the front passenger side of the engine, and locate the spring-loaded belt tensioner above the crankshaft pulley. Remove the belt from the belt tensioner. Turn the belt tensioner clockwise from the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley with a breaker bar and socket.
How do you turn a belt tensioner clockwise?
Turn the belt tensioner clockwise from the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley with a breaker bar and socket. Slip the belt off the tensioner pulley, and release the breaker bar.
How do you hang a belt on an alternator pulley?
Turn the belt tensioner clockwise from the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley with a breaker bar and socket. Slip the belt off the tensioner pulley, and release the breaker bar. Hang the belt to the side of the alternator pulley with a bungee cord to prevent it from sliding out of any of the accessory pulleys.