Why do you need an idler pulley on an engine?

The idler pulley is meant to provide another smoothly rotating point for the engine belt to loop around, so that the desired routing can be achieved. Most engines use one idler pulley, and one tensioner pulley, though some designs do use more than one idler.

How much does it cost to install an idler pulley?

You can expect to pay $40 to $100 for the idler pulley and another $30 to $150 for the labor. However, these prices will depend on the type of vehicle you drive, how easy it is to install and the local labor rates.

What to do if your idler pulley is frozen?

This is a frozen pulley. To confirm if your idler pulley is frozen, you have to slip the belt off the pulley. Before you start, make sure the engine is off and the keys are not in the ignition, just to make sure no one attempts to turn on the engine.

Why does the idler pulley make a squealing noise?

When the serpentine belt breaks, you have bigger problems to deal with. The engine might stall or overheat as a result. Plus, the squealing noise is going to become consistently louder, creating an annoying ride. The idler pulley and belt are located near the front of the engine.

What are the symptoms of a defective 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

Does the idler pulley move or not?

The idler pulley is under enormous pressure, which causes it to wear out quickly. When this happens, you will notice more belt slip than normal. In extreme cases, the idler pulley will fail completely, which means that the vehicle will not move. The idler pulley ensures the correct tension of the drive belts.

Should the idler pulley spin freely?

Ideally it should spin freely . If not, or if you notice that it is quite difficult to spin on its shaft, then you will need to replace the idler pulley. We said that the idler pulley should be able to route the engine drive belt in its correct loop.

Is idler pulley the same as the tensioner pulley?

The idler pulley and the pulley on the tensioner are the same. They also use the same bearing which is replaceable and at a much reduced price. You should replace both bearings.