Is it necessary to replace the tensioner when changing the generator belt?
2 Answers
Replace the tensioner when changing the belt. Here are the specific details: 1. Belts: There are two belts in a car, the timing belt and the accessory belt. The replacement cycle for the timing belt is similar for all cars, which is every three years or 60,000 kilometers. 2. Replacement: When replacing the belt, the tensioner and idler pulley should be replaced at the same time. The lifespan of the belt and the tensioner is almost the same. When the belt's lifespan ends, the tensioner may still be usable, but it's unclear how much longer it will last. 3. Safety: Do not wait another 20,000 kilometers to replace it. The labor cost for replacing the belt is very high, effectively doubling the expense. For safety and cost-saving reasons, it's best to replace them simultaneously. The water pump does not need to be removed for replacement.
As someone who has repaired cars for over a decade, I can tell you that you don't necessarily have to replace the tensioner pulley when changing the alternator belt, but it depends on the specific situation. It's more important to check whether the tensioner pulley is aged, making unusual noises, or not rotating smoothly. If it's in good condition, keeping it is fine and can save you some money. However, if the pulley is worn or the bearing is loose, not replacing it can cause the new belt to loosen or break quickly, leading to the alternator not working, the battery not charging, and the car suddenly stalling, which would be troublesome. I recommend having a technician visually inspect it during every maintenance, especially for high-mileage vehicles—this is safer and more cost-effective than dealing with repairs later. By the way, the alternator belt also drives the air conditioning pump and water pump, so overall maintenance can extend the car's lifespan.
