Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Tensioner Pulley
Common signs include a damaged bearing or pulley, squealing in the motor area, and visibly worn pulleys.
Intermediate pulleys are engine pulleys that are responsible for guiding and tensioning the engine drive belts. Engine drive belts are routed around various engine components such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor in a specific manner. The idler pulley is designed to provide another point of smooth rotation for the motor belt so that the desired direction can be reached. Most engines use one idler and one idler, although some designs use more than one idler. Over time, idlers wear out and need to be replaced. Usually a bad or faulty idler pulley will cause several symptoms that may alert the driver to a problem.
1. Visibly worn pulleys
One of the first signs of a problem with an idler pulley is visible wear on the pulley. Over time, as the pulley rotates relative to the belt, both components eventually begin to wear out. This can cause visible scratches on the surface of the pulley as a result of contact with the belt. Over time, the pulley and belt wear to the point where the tension is reduced, which can cause the belt to slip.
2. Belt squeal
Another common sign of a possible idler pulley problem is squealing engine belts. If the surface of the idler pulley wears out or the pulley seizes or seizes, this can cause the engine belt to squeal as it rubs against the pulley surface. In some cases, a failed pulley can bind or slip, causing the belt to squeal when the engine is first started. The problem will eventually get worse as the pulley continues to wear out.
3. Damaged bearing or pulley.
Another, more noticeable sign of an idler pulley problem is a damaged bearing or pulley. In more severe cases, the bearing or the pulley itself can wear to the point where it breaks or cracks, falls apart, or seizes. This can interfere with the rotation of the belt and lead to all sorts of problems. A broken or seized pulley can quickly cause a belt to break or, in less serious cases, the belt to come off the engine. An engine without a belt can quickly run into issues such as overheating and stalling, as it is the drive belt that powers the engine's accessories.
Idler pulleys are a common component in most road vehicles that will eventually need to be replaced, especially in high mileage vehicles. Any of the engine pulleys are very important to the overall operation of the engine, as it is the V-ribbed belt and pulleys that allow the engine to function properly after it has been started. If you suspect that your intermediate pulley may have a problem, have a professional technician, such as AvtoTachki, check the vehicle to determine if the pulley should be replaced.
