A damaged pulley can cause the drive or serpentine belt to dislodge. … So, how long can you drive with a bad idler pulley? The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. You should be concerned if the vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises.
Squealing. When the engine is idling, a bad pulley may make a squealing sound. This is due to the bearings in the pulley going bad. The bearings may also make various other sounds such as clattering or even a rumbling sound, making the vehicle sound as if there was much more wrong than a bad pulley.
Beside this, What does a bad tensioner sound like?
When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise. Symptom 2: Knocking or slapping. … This can cause a slapping or knocking noise.
Likewise, How can you tell if a pulley is bad?
– Visibly worn pulleys. One of the first symptoms of an issue with an idler pulley is visible wear on the pulley. …
– Belt squealing. Another common symptom of a possible issue with the idler pulley is squealing from the engine belts. …
– Damaged bearing or pulley.
Also, How much does it cost to replace a pulley?
The total price to replace the idler pulley usually ranges between $80 and $200. The average price of the labor comes to less than the parts cost, with the total cost of hte parts ranging between $40 and $90, and the labor dependent on the hourly rate of the specific auto body shop you choose.
Can I drive my car with a bad pulley?
So, how long can you drive with a bad idler pulley? The safety recommendation is not to drive the car at all and take it to a mechanic immediately. You should be concerned if the vehicle makes squeaking or rattling noises. The car can still run for months or break after a few days.
18 Related Question Answers Found
What does a bad pulley sound like?
Squealing. When the engine is idling, a bad pulley may make a squealing sound. This is due to the bearings in the pulley going bad. The bearings may also make various other sounds such as clattering or even a rumbling sound, making the vehicle sound as if there was much more wrong than a bad pulley.
How much does it cost to replace a pulley in a car?
The total price to replace the idler pulley usually ranges between $80 and $200. The average price of the labor comes to less than the parts cost, with the total cost of hte parts ranging between $40 and $90, and the labor dependent on the hourly rate of the specific auto body shop you choose.
How much does it cost to replace a pulley and serpentine belt?
The replacement cost is only going to be between $100 and $200 in most cases. The belt itself will cost between $25 and $80 while the labor costs will probably be between $75 and $120.
How do I know if my tensioner pulley bearing is bad?
Grinding or squeaking 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.
What are the symptoms of a bad belt tensioner?
One of 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.
How do I know if my pulley serpentine belt is bad?
– Visibly worn pulleys. One of the first symptoms of an issue with an idler pulley is visible wear on the pulley. …
– Belt squealing. Another common symptom of a possible issue with the idler pulley is squealing from the engine belts. …
– Damaged bearing or pulley.
What happens when a pulley goes bad?
A broken or seized pulley can quickly lead to a torn belt, or in less serious cases, the belt falling off of the engine. An engine without a belt can quickly run into issues such as overheating and stalling, as it’s the drive belt that allows the engine accessories to function.
Is it safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner?
”It is not safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner because the belt tensioner ensures sufficient tension to power the accessories. As the tensioner wears, the belt can slip at the accessories creating noise, excessive heat at the accessory pulleys, and reduce accessory performance.
How much does it cost to replace a pulley belt?
Drive Belt Idler Pulley Replacement Cost – RepairPal Estimate. The average cost for drive belt idler pulley replacement is between $144 and $162. Labor costs are estimated between $66 and $83 while parts are priced between $78 and $79.
How do you know when to replace a belt tensioner?
Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.
Is it bad to drive with a bad tensioner pulley?
”It is not safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner because the belt tensioner ensures sufficient tension to power the accessories. As the tensioner wears, the belt can slip at the accessories creating noise, excessive heat at the accessory pulleys, and reduce accessory performance.
How can you tell if a pulley bearing is bad?
– Visibly worn pulleys. One of the first symptoms of an issue with an idler pulley is visible wear on the pulley. …
– Belt squealing. Another common symptom of a possible issue with the idler pulley is squealing from the engine belts. …
– Damaged bearing or pulley.
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