How much does it cost to fix a belt tensioner?

The average cost for a drive belt tensioner replacement is between $211 and $239. Labor costs are between $73 and $93, while parts are priced between $138 and $146.

What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?

• Rust bleed and cracks. Appearance: Rust is bleeding between arm and base or dripping from the tensioner.
• Pulley bearing wear.
• Pulley wear.
• Tensioner assembly misalignment.
• Tensioner noise.
• Tensioner arm misalignment.
• Excessive tensioner arm oscillation.
• Binding or grinding tensioner arm movement.

Is it safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner?

Driving with a bad belt tensioner is unsafe since the tensioner is meant to guarantee ample tension that powers accessories. Wear on the belt tensioner will eventually cause the belt to slip, generate loud noise, and also create an unsafe level of heat along the accessory pulleys.

Can you replace a belt tensioner yourself?

Serpentine belt replacement is easy because today’s automatic drive belt tensioners eliminate the need to loosen bolts or pry components into position for retensioning. Just rotate the tensioner, remove the old belt and install a new one.

What causes a belt tensioner to go bad?

Any damage to the automatic tensioner pulley can cause damage to the belt tensioner due to the vibrations caused by the pulley. Physical damage to the pulley is an indication of extreme tension or physical interference.

Should I replace tensioner with belt?

There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does. However, you should inspect your tensioner each time you service your car to monitor its condition and replace it if necessary.

What causes tensioner to fail?

A seized tensioner cannot maintain proper belt tension. Dirt or mud can also jam the tensioner housing. A loose or worn pivot arm can allow unwanted movement; that results in belt noise and misalignment. Over time, this will increase belt wear and lead to premature belt failure.

How many miles do belt tensioners last?

Most modern cars that roll off the dealer’s lot as a new vehicle will have a 60,000 to 100,000-mile life expectancy for the serpentine belt, tensioners, and idler pulleys.

How long does it take to replace a belt tensioner?

You don’t have to replace the belt tensioner only needs replaced if it is bad. As far as the belt, they usually last around 30K miles and take about 15 minutes to install.

How much does a belt tensioner replacement cost?

The tensioner keeps that belt taut, ensuring that all the parts are kept moving like they should be while the vehicle is in operation. If the tensioner goes out, then your belt is going be loose or fall off, and your engine won’t work as it should. To get the belt tensioner replaced, you will pay anywhere from $140 to almost $400.

How often should a belt tensioner be replaced?

Most hose manufacturers recommend replacing hoses every four years. V-belts should be replaced every three years or 36,000 miles. The incidence of failure rises sharply after the fourth year of service for hoses and third year for belts. The lifespan of a typical serpentine belt is about five years or 50,000 miles.

What are the signs of a bad belt tensioner?

The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.