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When do you need to tighten a tensioner pulley?

When do you need to tighten a tensioner pulley?

You’ll need to tighten a tensioner pulley, in most cases, after the installation of a new drive belt, or to adjust for a stretched drive belt that hasn’t worn enough to warrant replacement. Stretch belts don’t need tensioner pulleys but are “stretched” into place using a special tool—always use the special tool to prevent belt damage.

How is the tension of a pulley determined?

Forces are drawn and labeled on each object. No springs or friction is considered. For an ideal pulley, the tension is the same throughout the rope (therefore the same symbol T in both diagrams). This is generally a common consideration for pulley tension problems. The acceleration a of each subject is indicated.

What causes a belt tensioner pulley to squeak?

Tensioner pulley wear will cause your pulley to squeak. A worn out pulley bearing or a worn spring in the tension pulley can also cause squeaking or a chirp. I show you how to use water to identify what type of squeak problem you have and then how to find the problem.

How are pulleys used in high load situations?

Certain types of pulley systems, like the block and tackle (to be explained later), can actually lessen the applied force needed to lift an object via a system of moving pulleys and lines, which can be very useful in high-load situations. Pulleys are also one of a few different methods of transmitting rotation from one axis to another.

Where is the tensioner on an auto pulley?

Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the side or front of the engine. Inspect the tensioner to use the right tool to release the tension on the belt so you can remove it from the pulley. Some may feature a 3/8-inch square-drive or 1/2-inch square-drive inlet that an appropriate-sized ratchet or serpentine belt tool adapter will fit into.

What to do if idler and tension pulleys don’t work?

You’ll want to diagnose the problem before throwing parts at it and wasting money. The first part to rule out is the serpentine belt, to do this apply some belt dressing and then start the truck. If the noise goes away then the belt is the problem not the pulleys. If the sound still persists then you’ll need to check the pulleys.

What to do when tension pulley goes out on F-150?

One by one, apply WD-40 to each pulley and start the motor. If the sound goes away on that pulley, then that one is the problem pulley. Refer to the diagrams at the end for the pulley layout for your specific engine. That being said, when one pulley wears out, the others won’t be far behind.

What causes a tension pulley on a car to squeak?

Learn how to fix a squeaky tensioner pulley in your car. The serpentine belt in your car powers the accessories such as air conditioning, power steering, the alternator, and waterpump. Tensioner pulley wear will cause your pulley to squeak. A worn out pulley bearing or a worn spring in the tension pulley can also cause squeaking or a chirp.

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Ruth Doyle