What happens when a tensioner pulley is damaged?

3 Answers
LeAsher
07/29/25 6:50pm
When a tensioner pulley is damaged, the following situations may occur: 1. Abnormal noises: There will be noises at 1400-1500 RPM, and the noise will be louder under high power consumption. 2. Obvious resonance: The resonance will be very noticeable, with loud noises during rapid acceleration, accompanied by noise phenomena and insufficient power. 3. Brake failure: If the tensioner pulley is damaged while the car is in motion, it may result in loss of brakes and steering, leading to serious consequences. The belt tensioner pulley is used to adjust the tightness of the timing belt, preventing belt slippage and compensating for elongation caused by belt wear and aging, requiring a certain amount of torque.
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JocelynAnn
08/14/25 12:29pm
I've been driving my old car for many years, and encountering a faulty tensioner is really annoying. That day, while driving, I heard a 'tapping' sound from the engine side. Upon inspection, I found the belt had started to slip because the tensioner wasn't functioning. As a result, the car's air conditioning suddenly stopped cooling, and the temperature gauge shot up quickly—almost leaving me stranded on the highway. When this part fails, it can also wear out other components, like the water pump or alternator, making repairs even more expensive. I quickly went to the repair shop to replace the new part, which cost me a few hundred bucks, but it's better than breaking down. During routine maintenance, it's important to regularly check the belt tension to avoid small issues turning into big problems. This experience taught me not to ignore unusual noises and to address them promptly to save major trouble.
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NevaehFitz
10/14/25 8:29am
I just started learning to drive not long ago and found that a bad tensioner can be quite worrying. I've experienced that feeling: after starting the car, the noise gets louder with a 'humming' sound, and the steering wheel starts to shake, especially noticeable at low speeds. If it completely fails, the belt might just fall off, throwing the engine's power distribution into chaos, leading to issues like power steering failure or battery charging problems. The scariest part is driving and suddenly the headlights dim or the car stalls—it's a huge safety hazard. I have to remind fellow beginners like us to get it checked at the first sign of trouble. Delaying can double the repair costs. Remember, prevention is much easier than fixing, so just check the belt's wear regularly.
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