What are the symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley are as follows: 1. Abnormal noise from the car: Noise occurs around 1400-1500 RPM, and becomes more pronounced when the air conditioning is on, during uphill driving, turning, or other high-power consumption situations. 2. Insufficient power: Loud noise during rapid acceleration, accompanied by resonance and lack of power. 3. Brake failure: If the tensioner pulley fails while driving, it can lead to loss of brakes and steering, resulting in very serious consequences. This can also affect the power steering, air conditioning, engine, and other components connected by the belt, causing them to fail. 4. Noise during startup: If the damage is not severe, the car may produce a brief abnormal noise during startup.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've encountered tensioner pulley failures multiple times. The most obvious symptom is a continuous rattling or squeaking sound from the engine compartment, which becomes particularly annoying as it gets louder during acceleration. If the belt becomes loose, you'll notice the steering wheel getting heavier, potential power steering failure, and extreme difficulty when making turns. Additionally, the air conditioning cooling efficiency drops because the belt can't properly drive the compressor. Once when my car made such noises and I ignored it, the belt eventually came off midway, causing the battery to stop charging and nearly leaving me stranded on the highway. Promptly check if the tensioner pulley bearing is worn or if the pulley wheel is deformed - regular maintenance can prevent major issues. Don't delay repairs, as minor problems can escalate into costly major repairs.
I just started learning DIY car repairs not long ago, and I've looked up the signs of a bad tensioner pulley. Online sources mention that the engine compartment emits a high-pitched noise, like metal grinding, mainly during cold starts or idling. If the belt is loose, it may slip, potentially causing the fan to spin slower or reducing the water pump's efficiency. I've tried shaking the belt myself—if it moves excessively, you should be cautious. Ignoring this could lead to sudden steering system failures, making driving extremely dangerous. It's best to investigate promptly and not wait until the car breaks down to regret it. Simple maintenance, like checking the tensioner pulley when replacing the belt, can save a lot of trouble and money.
