What are the symptoms of a faulty tensioner pulley in the Teana?
4 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty tensioner pulley are as follows: The greater the power, the louder the abnormal noise: If the tensioner pulley is damaged, there will be noise at 1400-1500 RPM, and the noise will be louder when more power is consumed. Increased resonance and noise: If the tensioner pulley is damaged, the resonance will be very noticeable, with loud noise during rapid acceleration, noise phenomena, and insufficient power. Loss of control over steering and braking: If the tensioner pulley fails while the car is in motion, there will be no brakes and no steering, resulting in very serious consequences. Abnormal noise during startup: If the tensioner pulley is not severely damaged, the vehicle will emit abnormal noise when starting up.
I once encountered this issue with my Teana. When the tensioner pulley failed, it would make an extremely sharp squeaking sound, like metal grinding, that just wouldn't stop. While driving, I could feel noticeable vibrations from the engine area, and the belt would shake unsteadily. During acceleration, the car always felt underpowered, and climbing hills was particularly strenuous. If left unrepaired for too long, the temperature gauge would spike because the loose belt caused the cooling system to stop working. Over time, the engine could overheat, leading to costly major repairs. That time I waited until the belt came off before fixing it, and ended up spending several thousand yuan unnecessarily. I recommend getting it checked as soon as you hear any abnormal noises—replacing a small part can save you from big trouble. During regular maintenance, always check the wear on the belt and tensioner pulley and address any issues early.
As a DIY car enthusiast, I find the symptoms of a faulty tensioner quite typical. On a Teana, the most obvious sign is increased noise - annoying squealing or rattling sounds coming from under the hood. When the belt loosens, you'll notice visible wobbling; you can even feel it jumping when shaking by hand. During acceleration, there's noticeable power delivery hesitation, and severe steering wheel vibration can make the whole car body shake uncomfortably. To elaborate, this issue also affects AC compressor and alternator efficiency - especially noticeable when running AC in summer. During inspection, I usually diagnose by listening for sound location or checking belt tension first, which saves some diagnostic time. The repair cost isn't high, but timely replacement is crucial.
If the tensioner pulley of the Teana is broken, you can immediately notice a sharp and unpleasant noise when starting the car. The belt often shakes, and the engine lacks power when driving, making it very difficult to go uphill. If left unattended for too long, the engine temperature may rise, and it could even stall, posing a significant safety risk. It's best to get it repaired as soon as possible.
