What does the idler pulley do on a lawn mower?
What does the idler pulley do on a lawn mower?
The idler pulley is a common part that’s found on the majority of the vehicles on the road. Its primary function is to provide tension and guide the engine drive belt. These belts wrap around the various parts of the engine such as the power steering pump, alternator, water pump etc…
Why does my Craftsman riding mower keep throwing the belt?
When a riding lawnmower’s mounting system is off balance, it affects how evenly the mowing deck hangs, and an uneven deck may affect the drive belt’s operation and cause the belt to come off. So check whether or not the deck is mounted properly. Also check for missing parts.
When do you need to replace the idler pulley?
If it doesn’t, you probably need to replace the pulley. If you look at the belt when the car is running at idle, it moves quite smoothly along the system. When there is significant deterioration of pulley hardware, the belt moves from side to side. You will notice that it shakes or wobbles as it moves.
What happens to the idler belt when the car is running?
If you look at the belt when the car is running at idle, it moves quite smoothly along the system. When there is significant deterioration of pulley hardware, the belt moves from side to side.
How can I tell if my idler pulley is frozen?
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.
What happens when a belt falls off a pulley?
The belt becomes lose and is unable to maintain required tension. When belt wobbling continues for some time, it can partially or fully push the belt off the pulley so the pulley continues rotating with nothing on it.
How do you remove an idler pulley from a car?
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the car battery to cut power to the engine. Set the cable aside where it cannot make contact with anything metal. Step 2: Remove the drive belt. To remove the drive belt, first release the tension to the belt.
What causes a belt to slip on an idler pulley?
A tensioner is used to maintain tension and when it seizes up or wears, tension is lost. The belt may start slipping off the pulley or slip off completely. In both cases it causes the belt to wear out faster. To solve this problem, replace the serpentine belt and the tensioner.
What should I torque my idler pulley to?
Using a torque wrench (and a socket to keep the pulley from spinning if needed), torque the pulley bolt to 40 ft/lb. Set the wrench to 40 ft/lb and apply pressure to the bolt with the wrench until it clicks and you know you’ve hit the required torque.
Can a negative battery cable be replaced on an idler pulley?
Reinstall the negative battery cable. Replacing an idler pulley can be done in a reasonable amount of time and for a decent price.
