What happens if belt tensioner fails?
Usually, the tensioner is replaced along with the timing belt. When a timing belt tensioner fails, it loses tension. As a result, the timing belt becomes loose and the valve timing can be thrown off. This leads to engine performance issues.
How long does a belt tensioner last?
40,000-70,000 mile
You should expect to replace your belt tensioner in the 40,000-70,000 mile range. It is also customary to swap more than one part simultaneously, usually a worn-out pulley from other systems and even the serpentine belt itself.
What causes a tensioner to go bad?
Any damage to the automatic tensioner pulley can cause damage to the belt tensioner due to the vibrations caused by the pulley. Physical damage to the pulley is an indication of extreme tension or physical interference.
How do I know if my hydraulic tensioner is bad?
Symptom 1: Squealing, rattling, or chirping. 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.
Should you replace tensioner when replacing serpentine belt?
Tensioners add pressure from an adjustable pivot point or spring mechanism to keep your serpentine belt taut as it circulates around the engine. There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does.
How do I know if I need a new tensioner?
One of 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.
Can a bad belt tensioner cause misfire?
The belt may oscillate between too little tension and too much tension. The belt will slip and catch, causing noise and vibration. This can cause a change in crankshaft speed that can be severe enough to cause the engine management system to think that a misfire just occurred.
Can a bad belt tensioner damage a car’s engine?
A failing belt tensioner can also cause problems in the water pump. This is a very important component of the engine as it circulates engine coolant through a closed system of tubes, hoses, and other components. If it fails to operate properly, then you can have issues with engine overheating. As a consequence, this can damage your car’s engine.
How do I know if my belt tensioner is bad?
Squeaking or Grinding Noise. One of the most common symptoms of a failing belt tensioner is unusual noise coming from either the tensioner or the drive belts. If the drive belt noise resembles a squeal or a squeak, it is possible that the belt tensioner is loose. This is especially the case when starting the engine first thing in the morning.
Is it time to replace your belt tensioner?
One of these components is the belt tensioner. Like all automotive parts, it has a lifespan. Unusual wear can reduce the service life of such a device, requiring replacement sooner than expected. It is important to recognize the various symptoms of a failing or a bad belt tensioner.
What causes a timing belt to go bad?
More often than not, it is actually the tensioner that goes bad, not always the belt (unless it is really old). Most of the time a belt will break due to a seized pulley or bad tensioner allowing it to contact the timing cover.