Can you replace just the pulley on a tensioner?
The tensioner pulley is on the end of a spring-loaded tensioner. More often than not, just the pulley goes bad on the tensioner, not the whole tensioner, and for most vehicles, you can purchase and replace the pulley instead of the tensioner itself.
What are the symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley?
- Rust bleed and cracks. Appearance: Rust is bleeding between arm and base or dripping from the tensioner.
- Pulley bearing wear.
- Pulley wear.
- Tensioner assembly misalignment.
- Tensioner noise.
- Tensioner arm misalignment.
- Excessive tensioner arm oscillation.
- Binding or grinding tensioner arm movement.
How do you know if you need a new tensioner pulley?
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.
How long does it take to change a tensioner pulley?
What Is Tensioner Pulley Replacement? Replacing the pulley should only take an hour or two, and the parts will vary in cost from one type of car to the next.
How do you change a belt tensioner on a Dodge Caravan?
Locate the Dodge Caravan belt tensioner on the passenger side of the engine compartment just below the alternator and place a socket wrench over the bolt in the center of the tensioner pulley. Turn the socket wrench clockwise to relieve the tension and remove the serpentine belt from the pulleys.
Can you 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.
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.
How long does it take to replace a tensioner pulley?