A tensioner and other drive system components should be inspected when the serpentine belt is looked at, typically around 60,000 miles. The serpentine belt, tensioner and pulleys work together as a cohesive unit within the drive system. One cannot function properly without the others also functioning properly. That\u2019s why all three components are considered a system. When one component needs replacing, a mechanic should replace the other components as well for more enhanced performance and product longevity.<\/p>\n
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Listen closely to the tensioner when the engine is running. Remove the belt and check the pulley for free rotation. If you hear noise or feel resistance to turning, this could be the indication of impeding bearing failure. If it spins freely by hand more than two rotations, the grease is gone from the pulley and needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n
If the belt is tracking off center, at or off the edge of the pulley, or if the belt flips off the tensioner, this is a clear sign of bushing wear, which causes tensioner misalignment.<\/p>\n
If the belt makes a squealing noise or an accessory within the system has stopped working completely, it\u2019s a sign that there is tension loss.<\/p>\n
When removing or replacing the belt, check the tensioner torque by moving the tensioner arm from stop to stop. The arm should move smoothly and without hesitant movement.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ background_image=”39103″ background_image_position=”center center” background_image_stacking=”default” enable_bg_scale=”true” background_image_loading=”default” column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”22vh”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1681735335002{margin-bottom: 50px !important;}”]\n
If there is any metal-to-metal contact between a tensioner\u2019s arm and spring case, it\u2019s a sign of bushing wear.<\/p>\n
When removing or replacing the belt, check the tensioner \u201cstops\u201d\u00a0 located on both the tensioner arm and spring case to see if they are broken.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Often times during a drive belt change, the tensioner may get overlooked. This can be problematic given the tensioner has a big job to do and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":41137,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"topic":[2594,2135],"contenttype":[2225],"th_application":[2298],"th_product":[2533],"class_list":["post-40892","techhub","type-techhub","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","topic-replacement-intervals-info","topic-troubleshooting","contenttype-tech-article","th_application-automotive","th_product-tensioners"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n