Does a Noisy Tensioner Pulley Damage the Car?
2 Answers
A noisy tensioner pulley can damage the car and affect its normal operation. Here are the reasons for a noisy tensioner pulley: 1. Aging or damage to the internal bearings. In severe cases, the tensioner pulley may completely fail to function. 2. Damage to the tensioner pulley can cause timing belt misalignment, leading to ignition and valve timing disorders, engine shaking, difficulty starting, and even valve deformation upon starting. 3. If the generator belt tensioner pulley is damaged, the vehicle's generator may not work properly, and power steering may become ineffective. Below is additional information about the tensioner pulley: 1. The tensioner pulley is located on the engine's timing belt or timing chain, providing guidance and tension to both. 2. During the operation of the timing belt or timing chain, the camshaft drives the valves to open and close at the correct time, coordinating with the piston to complete the four processes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
I found that abnormal noise from the tensioner pulley can indeed be quite damaging to the car. Having driven for decades, I've encountered similar situations several times. For example, last winter, there was a squeaking sound when the engine started. At first, I thought it was due to the cold weather and ignored it. However, two weeks later, the noise became louder, and the belt began to loosen, directly causing the timing belt to skip teeth and damage the engine valves. The repair cost nearly 5,000 yuan. The tensioner pulley's role is to apply tension to the belt to maintain stable operation. Abnormal noise is mostly caused by bearing wear or spring failure. Ignoring it can accelerate belt wear or even lead to breakage. When driving, if you hear any unusual noises, especially high-frequency sounds from under the hood, I recommend an immediate inspection. Modern cars have timing systems, and small issues left unattended can turn into major repairs, affecting the vehicle's lifespan. During regular maintenance, replacing a tensioner pulley costs just a few hundred yuan—saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
