Where can I find the tensioner pulley on my belt?

Locate the tensioner pulley. The tensioner pulley has a smooth surface that the top of the belt — the side with no grooves — rides on. Put a socket on the bolt and turn the bolt counterclockwise to break it loose.

Why is the bolt not coming out of my tensioner?

If it will not break loose because the tensioner wants to move, keep the tensioner from moving by holding it in place with a pry bar; then you will be able to loosen the bolt in the pulley. Though this particular bolt doesn’t usually seem to have problems, sometimes it can rust or have some other issue, causing the bolt to not come out easily.

What should I do if my tensioner is not loosening?

Put a socket on the bolt and turn the bolt counterclockwise to break it loose. If it will not break loose because the tensioner wants to move, keep the tensioner from moving by holding it in place with a pry bar; then you will be able to loosen the bolt in the pulley.

Why is my pulley bolt not coming out?

Though this particular bolt doesn’t usually seem to have problems, sometimes it can rust or have some other issue, causing the bolt to not come out easily. If this is the case, spray it with lubricant and allow it to set for a few minutes to give the lubricant time to work down the threads of the bolt.

What are the signs of a bad belt tensioner?

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.

What noise does a bad tensioner pulley make?

Any noise that sounds like a squealing, whirling, or chirping might be a sign that the tensioner is weakening. The pulley bearings should be ruled out first because loose bearings can also cause such a noise.

How do you remove a tensioner pulley?

Hold the tension from the belt, and slip the belt off the auto tensioner pulley to remove the belt and pulley system. Slowly release the tension to avoid damage or injury, and then remove the tool from the belt auto tensioner.

Do belt tensioners go bad?

A bad belt tensioner is a likely cause of belt damage. However, if your belt is old and has not been replaced in several years, it might just be normal wear and tear. Push down on the middle of the belt while the engine is off and the components are cool enough to touch.

What happens when a belt tensioner goes bad?

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.

How do I replace idler pulley?

How to Replace the Idler Pulley on a Ford Focus. Raise the hood and locate the belt tensioner. The tensioner is an arm with a pulley at the end of it which holds tension on the serpentine belt. Slip the belt tensioner tool into the tensioner and pull the tool to the side, releasing the tension from the belt.

How do I replace the serpentine belt?

How to Change a Serpentine Belt Step 1 – Get Out Your Cars Diagram Step 2 – Turn Off Your Car and Keep It on Idle Step 3 – Pop the Hood Step 4 – Note How the Belt Functions Step 5 – Relieve the Tensioner Pressure Step 6 – Slide the Belt Off the Pulley Step 7 – Remove the Motor Mount Step 8 – Replace the Belt Step 9 – Clean Up