Where is the tensioner pulley located?

The tensioner pulley is on the end of a spring-loaded tensioner. The accessory drive belt rides on the pulley while the spring-loaded portion of the assembly puts tension on the accessory drive belt to keep it tight enough so that it doesn’t slip on the rest of the pulleys.

How do I know if my tensioner is loose?

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.

What sound does a bad tensioner pulley make?

When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise. Symptom 2: Knocking or slapping.

How do you know if your cam chain tensioner is bad?

Common signs of a faulty timing chain include engine misfires, metal shavings found in the oil, and rattling sounds from the engine while idling.

Is it bad to drive with a bad tensioner pulley?

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.

How long can you drive with a bad pulley?

So, how long can you drive with a bad idler pulley? The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. You should be concerned if the vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises. The car can still run for months or break after a few days.

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 front sensor on a Chevy Cavalier?

If you are replacing the rear sensor (downstream), you’ll need to lift the Cavalier’s front end with the floor jack and support it safely and securely onto the jack stands. The front sensor is located in the front lower center of the engine and screwed into the header pipe.

What happens when the oxygen sensor fails on a Chevy Cavalier?

The computer then adjusts the ratio of air and fuel to lower the pollution in exhaust. When the sensor fails in the Cavalier, the computer ignores it and makes its own adjustments, which can cause more pollution, less gas mileage or both.