Car tensioner pulley

Tensioner is a device to tension the V-belt. Specifically we speak about the arm to adjust the tension on the support roller. As a rule, both car parts are sold together and named tension pulley. In order the V-belt’s tension to be optimal it should be under a slight pressure. While all other rollers of the system are fixed, the tension roller can be adjusted with the help of the tensioner. Due to this it is possible to optimize the belt running.

Normally, tensioner and support roller can be replaced individually. The majority of the tensioners used today are semiautomatic. This means that the primary stress is adjusted, for example, when the belt becomes longer because of the wear. If the regulator does not work semi automatically, it must be adjusted manually with the help of the tensioner. If the V-belt is slipping or running unevenly, the reason for that may be defective tension roller or tensioner.

In majority of cases it is necessary to replace both car parts. As we speak about an extreme accuracy, all repair works should be done in a repair shop. An improperly adjusted V-belt can break and result in a bigger harm, for cylinder head gaskets for example. Buy a high-quality tensioner in our online store and you will save on repair. In our Internet store you will also find track rod, tappet and protective pipe, ESP sensor, support bar, wheel bearing, tensioner, taillights and many other car parts. The maintenance or repair of your vehicle will be easier and cheaper if you will compare prices in our online shop.

How to identify a faulty poly-V-belt tensioner pulley

The component should be checked for damage every time the belt is slackened, or at the end of the belt's service life. Correct operation of the tensioner pulley guarantees that the belt will operate longer, will not break or wear off.

You can easily diagnose this component yourself. Just rotate it manually. If no noise is heard, gaps do not appear during rotation, and rotation is not jerky, it means that the pulley operates correctly. If during the inspection you find the faults mentioned above, the component is to be replaced. It is recommended to install a new pulley also together with each scheduled replacement of the poly-V-belt.

You may notice that the poly-V-belt tensioner pulley requires diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• the rotating component produces unusual noise;
• the poly-V-belt is too loose in the pulley;
• the belt moves too slowly in the pulley;
• axial play occurs during pulley rotation;
• the component gets heated during operation;
• the belt is loose or broken.

Reasons of poly-V-belt tensioner pulley malfunctio

The main reason of mechanical damage of the component is its improper installation or displacement which may occur due to a strong impact during an accident.

Excessive or insufficient tension of the poly-V-belt is the main reason of the pulley misalignment. Incorrect load direction in the process of rotation results in deformation of the component's fasteners and abrasion of its surface.

Premature wear of the part is often caused by corrosion of the bearing installed inside. During operation, moisture and abrasive particles may get into the bearing, which results in rust and jamming of internal components of the pulley. Poor quality of the component also greatly reduces its service life.

Replacing the poly-V-belt tensioner pulley

You can replace the component yourself, or have it replaced at a service station. This operation is not very difficult. To replace the pulley, you'll have to:

1. Loosen the belt and the mounting bolts of the tensioner pulley.
2. Mark the rotation direction on the belt. This will ensure correct installation.
3. Remove the belt.
4. Remove the tensioner.
5. Unscrew the pulley itself.
6. Install a serviceable component.
7. Return the belt to its original position.
8. Adjust the belt tension according to the vehicle documentation.
9. Check whether the tensioner pulley operates correctly.