Belt and Pulley Basics - EricTheCarGuy

[@labradormcgraw2409]

This guy got me into auto repair! I've so much to be grateful for. His repair videos are flawless - honest, solid advice from a seasoned professional. Huge respect to ETCG!

[@danielgregory1365]

Labrador McGra w

[@worstnightmare9772]

Auto repair seems really boring and very very hard

[@manizarif2566]

dude I just love how thorough you explain things with many major important detail that no one would ever point out

[@davidh1153]

Eric The Car Guy is awsome!!! He explains things that a stright-up dumb-ass can understand!! Thanks Eric!! Keep up the videos. they are very helpful. Even to mechanics who can't figure something out

[@UnstoppableMorgan]

I just noticed my pulley completely snapped off! Thanks for the video, this is my first time working on this area of my bronco and you have helped me so much!

[@frankfulton6510]

Great informative and well done. I am a baseball coach and spend all my time fixing players. When the cars go bad and I cannot get to the field I cannot do my job. So i appreciate this segment on belts. Now I can go fix it and get back to the game. Frank Fulton GM VMarlins

[@018cb]

eric thanks for taking the time to post these videos i started watching when i bought my first car with your help and no previous experience i have changed ball joints brakes belts pcv valves and do my own oil changes i am now enroling myself in an auto tech class thanks for the knowledge and saved money !

[@andrewharmon6810]

God bless you Eric. These videos help countless people!

[@tomr4962]

Amen to that Andrew 👌

[@frankietuned]

At least 1.1 million lol

[@dingalao]

Im going to school to be a diesel mechanic at Unoh and i just found your channel today and you are better at explaining certain subjects better than my professors. good work sir.

[@MrPvtCrowley]

So glad I came across this a few days ago. My drive belt on my Ram went out last night when I was far from home. I knew exactly what to look for, and had it fixed within the hour. I had been hearing a sound like bad bearings for a couple months now, but I procrastinate a lot so it never got attention. Thank you.

[@MsMiracles777]

Hello Eric the car guy, thank goodness there are good guys like you out there helping automobile engine challenged persons like myself understand the workings of our autos. Now when I visit my mechanic to check out my squealing belt issue, I will have a much better understanding of possible problems. Thank you so much. You are a bright light out in this big wide world. Please continue your great work.

[@silveradoman6544]

Really great write up. I appreciate your thoroughness; I've worked on cars and trucks for years and still learned many things from this tutorial

[@marjiemiller]

This is THE BEST video I've ever seen on how a car works and what this "supposedly important belt" does on a car! My God I think I understand it know. My AC hasn't been working well, then the steering got difficult and then this terrible squeaking started.This video explains how the belt is connected to all the components and how "the energy is transferred" from the engine. This guy is a real good explainer. Thanks ErictheCarGuy!!! :)!!! :D!!!

[@loudnoises4627]

Last video I’ll ever need to watch for any serpertine belt or pulley issues. Thank you Eric!

[@XHikotheproX]

I just found your channel a few days ago, and im a car guy myself. But i have to say after watching some of our videos ive learned a lot of useful tips, thanks Eric!

[@TheDvayers]

I just discovered your videos and have to say they are fantastic. Not only your knowledge about everything but your intuition into what questions might arise in the mind of someone watching and addressing them right away, concepts and all. Thankyou for making these videos and keep up the great work.

[@ericthecarguy]

@DKLGalactus5 I'm glad you stopped by, good luck on your ASE's.

[@Badgirl4life773]

Really wish you worked in my town- you seem honest and knowledgeable. Thanks for the video. Hope it helps my shade tree guy.

[@MattHumanPizza]

Nice thorough video. It helped with changing drive belt on 97' mercury mystique. Runs better now with no squeel. only makes a little noise when the air conditioning is on, pulleys seemed ok, but I suspect the tensioner pulley to be acting just a little bit silly. I can go without ac, just put down the windows and sweat it out

[@DK-kv3ym]

Thanks eric you have literally walked me through several problems ive had. Keep on keepin on brotha especially on the great work.

[@falkonmkx]

Thank you for this informative video. I had a tapping sound issue from my Ford 2V 4.6 engine and I was scared it could be a costly timing chain problem . Today I found that the belt tensioner pulley bearings were worn out and was the cause of the tapping noise I was hearing. It makes sense now that you pointed out the mal-effect travels all over the related components (as did the tapping sound+vibration), it was very hard to nail the problem for me. Problem is, these parts are hard to come by in my country so I have remedied temporarily with some silicon grease spray to the bearings. It did make the sound go away, so hopefully I could get the parts from good ol' USA in time. Thank you once again!

[@SchminnieB]

You always make the most accessible and comprehensive videos. Thank you! I am a random 30/F who has gone from zero car knowledge to being able to do light work on my Wrangler, largely because of you. I'm still a hack, but at least I can put up a front when I end up taking my car to a legit mechanic (I'm sure they can tell). Thanks!

[@dinisecustis2177]

Hello I am wanting to know what to replace on my Nissan. My belt melted on the bottom. When I start ted the car I heard something sounding like a fan cracking up . And seen a piece of black circle like kind of chipped up. The car was smoking a little on the passenger right front. I started the car again and the belt was a bit side ways but not moving. Can you tell me what I should do when I go get the serpentine belt replaced

[@dinisecustis2177]

Help

[@LoneTaurus82]

think you just diagnosed my problem in the first min in a half. I have noticed one of the pulleys near my alternator wobble a bit a times and i think thats why it isnt producing a good charge to my battery which may be why my car randomly shuts off at times. When idle lile at a stop light. This car shop adjusted my belts awhile back so hopefully when i take it back to them its a simple adjustment fix. Awesome advice!!

[@nelmirantz8320]

Your the best! With your video i discovered a worn idler pulley. Replaced it and the engine compartment sounds happier. Keep up the great work!!

[@mrdave777]

Eric. Thank you for everything. Your service is phenomenal.

[@bajancobo6157]

It is only four guys on youtube that i subscribe to for help with my vehicles and Eric The Car Guy is deffinately the #1 when i am doing research.....Keep up the good work Eric you don't know how much we really appreciate your tutorials......

[@PizzaStew]

Eric, I understand this is an older video but I have also been watching your newer videos, and your cameo appearances on TRQ. Welcome back! It would be great watching you perform car reviews for new Honda much like the car care nut channel. Would also love to get an idea of what’s happening in your world and if you’ve given up on KZbin. You have a lot of great content and thank you for all the information over the years. The community needs a tech experts opinion on Hondas to give them advice for new vehicles.

[@ericthecarguy]

@BriggsMower Hard to say, if you know the belt is new and isn't glazed and that all the pulleys are good then perhaps there is an accessory that's having an issue like a power steering pump or AC compressor, it's worth checking out anyway. Good luck.

[@bennygreene1421]

Sometimes maybe the belt is put on too tight. .

[@bakonfreek]

Right. I had basically exactly that problem with the alternator not charging the battery (and some of those check engine codes popped up upon checking). Took it down to the shop and it was (at the core of it all) the pulley, but the belt was pretty well shot too because I didn't think too much of it when a classmate mentioned that maybe I should get the belt checked a few months before yesterday. Things that might happen when buying a new-ish (cheaply) rebuilt car.

[@teiaperigosa]

I'm about to replace alternator....this was a helpful snack for thought.... thanks....will check on the belt and the pulleys and tensioners.

[@oliverrojas7117]

thanks, you are often very detailed in your explanations. thanks so much for the warnings, about how a belt pulley or tensioner might lead to symptoms like the alternator not charging properly.

[@franciscotarelo4061]

Even if you’re not a mechanic, you inspire learning and confidence. Great video Erick!

[@evelynfernandez4746]

Hi ETCG, I definitely appreciate your time and information that you give through your videos. I ended up with hearing like a light pop, more like if you drove over a cardboard cylinder and right after my steering wheel became stiff. I'm thinking power steering fluid but I open the hood and noticed the belt loosen, basically off. Thanks to your informative videos I knew what was the problem. I just don't understand, there was no squeaking or trouble with anything else.

[@nicholea2667]

Omg this is exactly what happened to me yesterday after I'd hit a pothole, that I was trying to avoid lol! Battery light came on, steering became stiff. Car started to shut off after a short while after starting. I was about to go get an alternator. So glad I watched this video and read your comment..

[@marilyn4638]

Thanks, Eric I think I solved lots of problems watched many of your shows.

[@AtroposLeshesis]

Thank you Eric , I appreciate your explanation of all the projects you do. This video and others you have done have actually helped me problem solve a few issues I’ve had with my own car.

[@jessedemarcus5993]

Thank you Eric for the video my tensioner pulley just started clanking and clunking I narrowed the noise down to my tensioner pulley it looks like the spring in it is worn out

[@walterbrizuela4225]

Great delivery Eric. Like how you lay things out.

[@BROTHAWARRIOR]

wow. i have a check engine light on and the code is for misfire in bank 1. i also have a squeaking belt....eric, u r THE man

[@carlosp9520]

🙋🏻‍♂️ same and now im fix it thanks to Eric

[@ericthecarguy]

@aeligos Perhaps the tensioner is faulty then for not maintaining the correct tension on the belt.

[@medicaldetectorist7953]

Just when I thought I'd watched all your KZbin videos!!!! Glad to see there is still something to watch!!!

[@jkevin703]

Very helpful video! I have a Saab 9-5 and noticed the tensioner was bobbing slightly even at idle, also another pulley seems a bit worn out, may well be the drive pulley and this video has literally very well clarified this fault for me. thanks Eric :)

[@ericthecarguy]

@Bbyslim87 You can remove the belt and start the engine to listen for the noise, if it's still there then it could have something to do with the timing belt area, if not you can rotate the pulleys by hand to see if you can hear or 'feel' the noise otherwise you may need to use the methods I show in my Finding A Noise video. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@trekzilladmc I normally leave those alone but if it gets worse replace the tensioner, the point of the video is more to consider the belt and tensioner if you have a problem with one of the accessories like an alternator or power steering pump problem.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Nikon89xj89 It's not likely to be the crank pulley but you might consider taking the belt off and spinning the components individually to see if you can find the one that's making the noise. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@TheDvayers Thank you very much for that comment as that is EXACTLY what I try to do when I make the videos, it's nice to know I'm doing my job well. Thanks again.

[@lendytate3852]

Eric ROCKS!! I believe I can even change the serpentine belt on my motorhome with his help. Thanks Eric!!

[@TheWiseMan845]

I love your videos.! A lot of help. I was having a trouble with my tensioner pulley, replaced it and it was great. Now that noise came back again and mostly when I hit about 2K RPM.

[@ericthecarguy]

@aeligos It could be loose but it could also be a bearing somewhere, if you feel you have it as tight as you should make it you might want to check the rotating components for a bearing issue.

[@2cyclemix]

Eric - I watched your video and changed the idler, tensioner and belt on my 98 Dakota. It took like 30 minutes, tops. I bought OEM parts by Gates for $82 on RockAuto.com. Just for giggles, I called the dealer and was quoted $500 for parts and labor. Two hours labor to be exact. I questioned the adviser about two hours being too long and that I was told it should take no more than 30 minutes. He said, "Oh, our mechanics can do it in less time than that but the book says two hours, so that's what it will cost you." Wow! It seems the shops have gone from not telling how long it really takes, to being very upfront as to how little time some repairs take but the public will still be charged four or five times the actual time necessary.

[@Lesrevesdhiver]

Shops are ridiculous. Doing that job on my own cars takes me about two hours. However, I tend to mess around a lot. Clean this or that under the hood, smoke a cigarette or three, fight with the tape deck on my ghetto blaster, send a few texts, grab a bite to eat, get distracted by other junk... But yeah if I actually buckle down and concentrate on the task at hand - 30 minute job or less. Eric's videos are very good and helpful. I am sure he might advise against letting distractions get in the way. Getting distracted is MY specialty.

[@christopherburton9814]

Yes, but it's a two-way system. If something happens unexpected during a repair (like a broken bolt), the customer doesn't get charged for that. Also, when it comes to the flat rate system, it's the only way to reward the good mechanics. If you have a mechanic that is very experienced and can do the job faster than most other mechanics, shouldn't he be rewarded for that?

[@2cyclemix]

I am all for being reasonable and paying someone for their time but their is a point where the charge can become too ridiculous for the actual effort expended to complete the task. And the argument for "well, I spent so and so on my tools" gets old after awhile. I have heard mechanics admit they may have paid too much for their tools from time to time. Anyway, consumers can always vote with their feet.

[@christopherburton9814]

2cyclemix Well considering that most longtime mechanics have spent over $100,000 on tools... and that a car lift can cost $10,000, a tire balance machine $8,000, an alignment machine $30,000, a good scan tool $10,000 and on and on and on.... the argument that they spent so and so on tools doesn't really get old... it's just a fact. If you're tired of paying the high prices to get your car fixed, then you're more than welcome to go buy all your own tools and spend years learning the trade... then you can fix your car yourself.

[@2cyclemix]

Chris Earle You're exactly right. About five years ago I took my 98 Maxima (it was actually towed) to a "christian" garage because the car wouldn't start. Well, the starter was bad. Total cost $500.00 including towing. $275 for the starter and two hours labor plus $50 for towing. Well, three years later the starter went bad. I thought I'd give it a try at the repair since I felt raped by the garage for the last replacement. The starter was $113.00 before the core. I removed the old one (20 minute job not being used to its location) and took it with me to avoid the core fee. Got one that looked exactly like the one that was three years old. It was a rebuilt one. The one for $275.00 was new, they said at the garage. Installed the new one in ten minutes since I was now somewhat familiar with the installation. The longest part of the repair was driving to the store and back. It seems to me the determination of if the high repair costs are justified depends upon which end of the repair you're on. I'd say, if you're mechanically inclined, somewhat curious, got enough common tools and want to save some money, then DIY. Again, you're exactly right.

[@hischyoudontneedtoknow2896]

I would like to thank you, you have helped me repeatedly over the years with working on my vehicles due to economic necessity.

[@aquarius_babyj7539]

My pulley looks just like that, and I have a noise. The mechanic couldn't tell me what was wrong. he said it's internal engine issues. I tried to leave a short video on your Facebook page, but I don't think it posted. If you see it, please help! no one seems to know what is going on.

[@doncarnage3539]

Eric you were completely right!! my steering pump was making noise for a long time and when it came time to change the belts i watched this video before and now with new belts my pump is silent

[@lamrof]

Excellent, thanks man. And I will be sure to check pulleys with the engine on as you stated, thanks.

[@addun8242]

As always Eric, an informative and entertaining video. Spotted a dodgy tensioner pulley thanks to this. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@DRock-zd8gl]

This video helped me a lot and saved me some $$. On a side note, I'll bet that i am the only person who watched this video who knows the engine sound that is played in the beginning of the video and where it comes from!! It's the '68 Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. Specifically it's when he was chasing the hitmen who were driving the '68 Charger. One of the best car chase scenes in history :-)

[@ericthecarguy]

@Warlord1264 I'm not clear on if you replaced the tensioner or not but if you have then perhaps there is some stuff in the grooves of one of the pulleys or something that is causing the belt to bounce around, old belts can also cause this so if you haven't replaced it yet it might be a good idea.

[@I-HUNT]

Thanks Eric, Your video answered a few of my questions in relation to excessive noise from my engine compartment. Now I know that main pulley and tensioner on my 2005 Mazda Tribute need a fix as both components vibrate when engine is running. Thanks again, now at least I know what to discuss with mechanic when I visit a workshop.

[@kaybrown5637]

I replaced my tensioner pulley today. It took me over 3 hours to do, mainly because I was under my 2000 Plymouth Voyager, trying to get access to the nut on the bolt that held the tensioner assembly, and had to use a 15 mm socket with several extensions on the ratchet tool. I was able to replace the old tensioner assembly with a new one, but cannot get the belt back on because I don't have any 'special' tools to pull the spring down on the tensioner to put the belt back on. So, it's back to the auto parts store for me, tomorrow, to sink more money into this project.

[@ericthecarguy]

@XHikotheproX Welcome aboard and thanks very much for your comment I really appreciate it from one 'car guy' to another.

[@0aldy1]

Great job done Eric, Thanks for all that easily understanding knowledge given!!!

[@sbab83]

@EricTheCarGuy Thanks. I gave my pulleys a look, and noticed the tensioner is actually wobbling a little like you said it shouldn't do. I think I'm gonna replace that too.

[@carlenehamilton6450]

I just learned a wholelotta info from your video. I've been having issues with my belt and as you expressed, probably more going on than just the belt. Your video was dead on. Again, I have so much thanks sent your way. Keep up the videos. This is coming from a girl too. LoL.

[@rudycruz5550]

So my tensioner shakes when the car is idling. I guess I need to replace it right? By the way I had to watch around 10 videos until I found yours to get the info that I needed. Thank you very much! 👍

[@ericthecarguy]

@dandim23 You need to verify that it actually does have high voltage either with a DVOM or a scan tool, if you find that it does then you might consider replacing it. However it could mean that there is a problem with the cat or some other fuel or exhaust system problem that's why it's important to check it out first.

[@ericthecarguy]

@PVoyager Personally I would go with OE or a quality aftermarket part. Try to stay away from parts that come in unmarked white boxes is probably the best advice I can give.

[@knowledge5106_]

Thank you. I'm having squeaking issue with my 2008 M45 and I'll have to look at those pulleys and belt. Just as you said it could be the reason I have a check engine light that goes on and off.

[@Bounceblockent]

this video just helped me alot My wife has a 2001 Milabu i have replaced the Knock Sensor, Cam Sensor and the Crank Sensor twice but still the light and the codes are the some and i'm thinking what's wrong with these parts and now i'm watching your video because i'm about to change the belt for the second time in 2 month's and before that i replaced a pulley and wondering what i did wrong and now i know its the Tensioner thats throwing everything off ,it has a little jump in it Thankz Eric

[@KillerZero259]

i love eric's lectures!!! so informative!!

[@dd___dc]

I been havin a loud growing noise after lookin at da tension closely i see it bouncing around.than u mentioned it b4 i watched da video thanx 4 da video it helped me pin point da issue

[@robsherry8358]

Informed by EricTheCarGuy. Thanks for the helpful tips. Now subscribed to your channel.

[@LACKSGRAVITY]

Doctor Eric the Car Guy I'm so glad you posted this video and my Pontiac Grand Prix 04' is too.

[@1atech]

Went to start my sister's 03 Corolla and the battery light went on. I shut the car off and inspected the serpentine belt. It was halfway off the alternator. I basically grabbed the belt and it basically came right off! Had it brought home on the "HOOK". Should I attribute this to a worn belt.(Only about 37K on the vehicle)? Could a bad idler pulley cause this? Any help would be appreciated. (I try do to as much maintenance on my and her vehicle as I can. I have a large inventory of tools for a DIYER. Thanks for your time and the videos. I am a subscriber for about the last 8 years. Love your presentations. I hope you and your family stay healthy at this time.

[@black3stsh33p]

Dude awesome information, very helpful. I do as much of my own work as I can and I just bought an Isuzu rodeo with an idle tic now I think I may be able to figure out what it is and why that check engine light is on without taking it to a shop, fingers crossed.

[@ericthecarguy]

@RradioActiV83 Any of the name brands are good, I really haven't found a brand that was a problem up to this point. The important thing to take away from this is to also check the tensioner and pulleys, if the tensioner isn't good then a new belt won't be of much help.

[@cynthiamartinez5341]

Thank you for the information. Recently had thermostat replaced and a two day later a revving noise started happening and noticed a tug on acceleration with knock sensor malfunction code. Watching your video I'm going to inspect tensioner and belt.

[@ericthecarguy]

@videomotion8 Depends on the engine, with some it's just the back of the crank pulley with others there is a small disc that needs to be installed to help guide it on it's path. It's usually at the crankshaft from what I've seen.

[@michaelelliott289]

Always love your videos. I've been dealing with this issue for years on all of my vehicles. Hearing the constant chirp is a thing of the past after I watched your video. :). Keep up the good work, E!

[@ericthecarguy]

@moni370 You might check the belt for wear and the tensioner for proper operation. I'm not a Saturn expert but I think they have both belts and chains depending on the make and model.

[@Xstrattous]

Erick this video really helped me today! Thank you! I do have a question about my engine...do you think I can post a quick link for my engine's video here for you to help me please with it? Every time I start my car it gets really loud, as if I was pressing the accelerator. Thank you!👍 You're the man!

[@efrainramirez8634]

thanks to this video i found out that i needed a new idler pulley on my 2000 chevy blazer, thanks eric

[@maryrojas619]

first let me apologize for not subscribing on day one. i too have an 04 element so when i saw eric had one it helped solve a lot of issues. gracias

[@jltaco85]

No mames wey!!!

[@netman88]

Very good info on how important about the belt.

[@stuntdriver2147]

Eric - Thanks so much for posting this - I'm working on a 06 Avalon and my code scanner is showing inadequate charging from the alt - no belt noise but, I believe the tensioner is orig with about 100k on it. Will do a belt/pulley inspection under power next to make sure things are ok to rule that piece out. Really like your channel.

[@ianferguson1281]

I appreciate the thorough and thoughtful explanation.

[@johnvanwagner910]

Wow, that was a great video and you, Eric the Car Guy, are a fantastic teacher. If you don't teach courses currently, you should. I've never been a car guy but do like to learn new things. I gotta tell ya, after watching your video and listening to how you describe things in your "lessons," I'm intrigued to learn more about automotive repair. Maybe a new year's resolution for me - become an amateur mechanic?!?!

[@PriestKikyo]

This provided a ton of info I'm grateful for. Wish you would've shown how to replace that top idle pulley because mines getting STUCK... and I wanted to know more about the rest of the Spinny wheel thingies. Like is everyone attached to the belt supposed to spin freely or is the very big bottom one the "crank shaft?" Does that one only spin by the engine and makes the others spin?...

[@ericthecarguy]

@1ownjoo2 After a while the rubber wears out and will not be as effective, glad it worked out for you though thanks for the comment.

[@user-jw2ri2ms4p]

How can you not love this fuckin guy! You’re the man Eric, people like you make the world a better place!

[@ericthecarguy]

@aeligos I'm happy to help, good luck with the work.

[@ronbattiston2468]

Wow! That is excellent information Eric. I am just going to change my drive belt on my 2006 Buick Allure and that info explains a lot and what to check for. Thanks!!

[@dj2ndhand]

You Sir, are a man of men. Good day.

[@CrazieFrogz]

mine was the tenisoner arm.. changed all pulleys and alternator bc it was bad. never thought to change the tenisoner arm. still made noise for a year. everyone thought I was crazy .. just drive it. took it to different mechanic and he nailed it. now if I can get the shaking front end to stop when I brake at 45& over. everything is new on front end..

[@fakiirification]

get the front rotors machined. or replace them if too badly warped. should fix the brake pulsation.

[@CrazieFrogz]

fakiirification turned out the strut mount stabilizer boot came off.. got new van selling Windstar

[@alexlionhart14]

Thank you very much my car was making the same exact noise and I looked and it had the same bad pully discoloration you sir have saved me some money

[@DKLGalactus5]

Just dropped by to check out your videos, good job was just looking to refresh my mind for my ase testing

[@ericthecarguy]

@branco445 Sometimes the covers don't get installed correctly and can come into contact with the moving parts causing a problem like that. Good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@MileyCyrus192 The idea of the video is to get people to check the drive system in just that type of event. Nice work solving your issue.

[@ericthecarguy]

@LordGiggleface Thank YOU for taking the time to post this comment I really appreciate it.

[@r779projects7]

Eric is my favorite! I say that like a 12 yr old haha but seriously learn much from you. If you do more TL vids, I'll watch them! Thanks man

[@meami5089]

Dude you are alright in my book. Party on with all the fixes

[@TheUnknownHarbingers]

Thanks Eric I noticed that my belt tensioner is kind of bouncing up and down and I wasn't sure if that was normal or not.

[@Ripprock1]

You are not only EricTheCarGuy You are ERICTheCarMAN.Thanks

[@ericthecarguy]

@dendorssers I will say that not all belts are created equal but also it could have been a tensioner or idler that was making the noise as they often act that way.