Once that pulley is damaged or loose, then you are going to have some issues with your car's performance. You will pay somewhere between $125 and $380 to have your tensioner pulley replaced. The labor should run between $45 and $155, while parts can cost as little as $85 or as much as $225..
People also ask, how much does it cost to replace a pulley?
The average cost for a drive belt idler pulley replacement is between $143 and $164. Labor costs are estimated between $64 and $81 while parts are priced between $79 and $83. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.
Subsequently, question is, how much does it cost to replace a pulley and serpentine belt? Serpentine Belt Replacement Cost The replacement cost is only going to be between $90 and $200 in most cases. The belt itself will cost between $25 and $75 while the labor costs will probably be between $75 and $120. Taxes and fees will be added onto these prices too.
People also ask, what are the symptoms of a bad idler pulley?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Idler Pulley
- 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.
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.
Related Question Answers
What sound does a bad pulley make?
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 long does it take to replace a pulley?
Replacing the pulley should only take an hour or two, and the parts will vary in cost from one type of car to the next. How many parts need to be replaced and how long the repairs take will depend on how severe the damage is. If the pulley is simply loose, then replacing it will be simple and straightforward.How long do idler pulleys last?
An idler pulley is a simple device used to keep tension on the accessory belt (also called the “serpentine belt”). An idler pulley is expected to wear over time, and eventually the pulley will fail. Replacement intervals for idler pulleys vary, but are usually within the 50,000 to 100,000 mile range.How do you replace a pulley?
Part 1 of 1: Replacing an idler pulley - Materials Needed. Replacement idler pulley.
- Step 1: Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the car battery to cut power to the engine.
- Step 2: Remove the drive belt.
- Step 3: Remove the old pulley.
- Step 4: Install the new pulley.
- Step 5: Torque the pulley.
How do you change a pulley?
Loosen the bolt and push the pulley toward the center of the engine to relieve the tension on the belt. Slide the belt off the idler pulley. Hold the idler pulley so it cannot turn and loosen the center bolt with a socket wrench. Remove the bolt completely and pull the idler pulley from the engine.Is it bad to drive with a bad tensioner pulley?
If it fails to operate properly, then you can have issues with engine overheating. As a consequence, this can damage your car's engine. The air conditioning compressor may also fail to work if there is an issue with the belt tensioner. If this happens, then you will be driving without your air conditioning.How many pulleys are in a car?
Cars have 2 types of belt pulleys, the idler and the tensioner. Some cars have only one of each type, although there are those that may have more than one idler pulley. The idler and tensioner pulleys look the same and function in the same way, too.Does a water pump make noise when bad?
When the water pump bearings go out it will cause a squeaking, ticking or grinding noise while the engine is running. This is because the shaft bearings are trying to lock up within the pump housing. This bearing failure is due to the pressure being applied by the serpentine belt or the timing belt.Is it bad to drive with a squeaky belt?
That's why it's recommended that the serpentine belt is replaced early when the squealing symptoms are first noticed. Although it may be safe to drive with the squealing for a few days or weeks, the belt will eventually need to be replaced, and for safety, the earlier it's repaired, the better.What happens if your serpentine belt breaks while driving?
A broken serpentine belt leads to a sudden loss of power assist for the steering system, where the steering wheel all-of-a-sudden becomes very hard to turn. A broken serpentine belt stops the water pump from circulating coolant (antifreeze) through the cooling system, and the engine can overheat - anywhere!Can a belt tensioner be adjusted?
When the belt stretches, it can begin to slip, if left unattended. Not all types of drive belt systems can be adjusted. Cars equipped with an automatic belt tensioner adjust themselves over time and do not require adjustment. This article shows you the process to adjust drive belts on a pivot-style belt adjuster.Why is my car making a squeaking noise when I drive?
A loud squeal when accelerating could be that you have a loose or worn fan belt. Usually if your fan belts are worn, your timing belt needs replaced as well. Fortunately, the belt and your vehicle are still in working condition, but that could change if the belt wears out or becomes too loose to function.How long can you drive with a bad serpentine belt?
Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.Can you drive without a serpentine belt?
As you can see, driving without a serpentine belt is not an option, at least not for very long. *Some cars have an electric water pump and/or electric assist steering.Does Jiffy Lube replace serpentine belts?
Serpentine belt replacement is a critical service that helps keep the power flowing to key systems in your car's engine. Jiffy Lube inspects and replaces your car's serpentine belt to your manufacturer-recommended specifications.How long do serpentine belts last?
With that being said most serpentine/drive belts can last for a very long time before they need to be replaced. The lifespan of the belt will depend mostly on the type of material it's made of. Older style belts generally last about 50,000 miles, while those made from EPDM can last up to 100,000 miles.Can I replace serpentine belt myself?
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.Will a car start with a broken serpentine belt?
A serpentine belt has nothing to do with starting. Even when installed incorrectly or left off altogether the engine will start . The engine will still run for a while until the battery goes dead . So now you purchase a new belt and install it but neglect to check the pulleys for free play.Does AutoZone replace serpentine belts?
A serpentine belt replacement is an essential part of routine auto maintenance, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Get the parts you need from AutoZone. 
