What can cause a belt tensioner to break?

The belt can break due to a number of reasons, but the most common is age. One other common problem is the belt tensioner. If the tensioner is bad, it can cause the belt to come loose or cause the pulley to seize, making the belt come off.

Is a belt tensioner covered under warranty?

Re: Timing Belt Tensioner Covered Under Warranty? ( It should be covered as long as you’re the original owner, and no dealership has recommended you replace the belt before.

Can you drive with a broken 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 happens if your tensioner breaks?

Belt-driven accessories fail A seized or loose drive belt tensioner can cause the belt to snap, which will disables those accessories and can cause problems such as overheating, a dead electrical system and battery, or a disabled AC system.

Is idler pulley covered under warranty?

The idler pulley is literally the only part ON THE ENGINE that isn’t covered under the Powertrain warranty.

Does powertrain warranty cover serpentine belt?

What Does A Powertrain Warranty Cover? It should be noted that the powertrain warranty does not cover so-called “wear items” that are designed to wear and tear over time. This includes parts like the battery, clutch, and certain drive belts and fluids.

How much does it cost to replace 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.

Do I need to replace my belt tensioner?

There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does. However, you should inspect your tensioner each time you service your car to monitor its condition and replace it if necessary.

How do I know if I need a new tensioner?

Listen for a fluttering” noise while driving or while the car is idling. This indicates the tensioner is too loose. Other noises such as squealing or whirling from the front of the engine mean the spring inside the tensioner is weakening. In this case, the belt tensioner needs to be replaced.

Do you have to replace the belt when replacing a tensioner?

Tensioners usually come with pulleys; they are normally replaced together. Also, when replacing a tensioner, the drive belt usually must be removed. A mechanic may recommend replacing the belt as well.

What does the tensioner do on a drive belt?

The tensioner rides on the outside surface of the belt to put pressure, or tension, on the belt and against the pulleys that drive things like the alternator, power steering, air conditioner, etc. Tensioners usually come with pulleys; they are normally replaced together. Also, when replacing a tensioner, the drive belt usually must be removed.

What should I look for when replacing the tensioner on my car?

Also, when replacing a tensioner, the drive belt usually must be removed. A mechanic may recommend replacing the belt as well. Check for any noise in the engine (usually a squeaky or grinding noise).

Should I replace the idler pulley if the belt tensioner fails?

If the automatic belt tensioner has failed (and the engine has a lot of miles on it), it’s probably a good idea to replace the idler pulley (s) at the same time. Why? Because the shaft bearings on all the pulleys will have the same amount of wear.