How to Diagnose a Loose or Stuck Belt Tensioner on Your Car or Truck

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Did you know that squealing belts or pulleys may actually be the result of a bad belt tensioner? Check out this video where Len shows you how to identify a bad belt tensioner, and also discusses how improper belt tension can lead to worn pulley bearings and belts!
Check out more of our great diagnosis videos in this playlist!
• Driveway Diagnostics!
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

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[@TheWhisperingPenis]

The first time he said Vercle I thought it was an accident, but no, this dude actually says Vercles. Well done.

[@AllfatherBlack]

man i swear youtube's only value anymore is helping me fix my car, but only thanks to you that value is high, brother. keep up the great work, i learned a ton, thank you

[@Mikedeck12]

Watched a ton of these videos and this is the first one that he worked on a vercle instead of a vehicle. I learned a lot!

[@knuckles_fails]

It's never been easier to work on my veerhicle! Thanks guy!

[@Kyle-ev4fk]

You guys need to bring this guy back he is fun to watch

[@stevewendling8480]

Just replaced my tensioner, 2 pulleys and drive belt today. 2002 Mustang GT with 125,920 miles. I bought the car used and belt looked fine but noticed squeling noise. Just replaced them all for about $89 in parts and my hour of time. Glad its done.

[@seancollins6424]

I need to do this on my veerhicle, right meow...

[@Over-9k]

😂

[@cavemanhippie8299]

This just verified I wasn't too many dabs in before watching this.

[@BandasPalette]

😁😁😁

[@breydonbentley_28]

I can’t stop hearing veerhicle now

[@matthewconroy3994]

Lol

[@PureBlood42]

I started thinking I wasn't on KZbin. A video that actually gives straightforward, useful, and clear diagnosis advice. Imagine that, I found such a video on KZbin. I will immediately stop chuckling at the term for a car being pronounced as, "vericle." Lol. Just some banter, friend, you're awesome!

[@runstant1]

FIRST CLASS TUTORIAL, CLEAR AND INFORMATIVE, NO SCREAMING AND SHOUTING,THIS GUY KNOWS HIS STUFF !!

[@bill2953]

To better isolate the source of a squeak or other noise from the belt area, start the engine, squirt a spray of water on the belt. If the noise stops the problem is the belt. If the noise persists, it's either a pully or the water pump.

[@BillyJohnson-jk6bo]

Yeah you can just take some wd40 and start going pulley to pulley

[@1wadesdad]

Really nice presentation! I could see the value for a consumer to have this knowledge even if they don't do their own installation.

[@throttletwstn9731]

Cant even pay attention to the video because of the way he says vehicle. Like wth where is he getting the r in vehicle

[@GS-st9ns]

I went to get my oil changed today and the mechanic showed me an exaggerated picture of my tensioner belt. What Is the cost of replacing the tensioner belt on a 2007 Honda Accord? I forgot how much I like you when I auto videos. Thank you

[@william8654]

Thanks, you are very easy to follow!! I had a squealing noise coming from my belt area and it was a loose tensioner.

[@celticqueen1970]

Ty so much!! This is so professional n clear and just wow I'm impressed!! I am doing mine screw putting up with these rude mechanics treating me like crap n charging an arm and a 🦵

[@MirelesMinistries]

What if you can pull the wheel outward? Is that a bad sign? A mechanic showed me that and said it was a sign that the tensioner is bad; however, I have been searching on KZbin, and none of these videos show anything about that being a bad sign. The reason I ask, too, is because I took the car in for a wheel alignment about 5 days ago, and I'm now in over $400 in repairs he keeps finding. The car is rarely driven on the highway, and it gets less than 10K miles per year, but it is a 2007 with about 160K miles on it. Great video and channel. Thank you for doing these!

[@chrismcdonald6481]

Yep. Doing both belts and tensioner tomorrow morning. Makes sense to me to do belts as well

[@MajorBunghole]

Very helpful. Doing a country job in a mercedes sprinter with a 316 cdi engine today. First I noticed the battery light main and auxiliary battery weren't charging, then the water temp light, followed by the water level light came on and finally I lost the power steering, I also had no aircon for about an hour and a half before all this started happening. Apart from the aircon not working from early on, the rest of the issues started about 20klm's from the hospital we were taking our patient to. We did make it to the hospital and after shooing the patient off I popped the bonnet and found that both the serpentine belt and the 'V' fan belt were basically gone, which would account for all the issues. The strange thing is that this is the third time in a month that crews have been unable to drive home from this town in the past 4 weeks and it's all been due to belt failure. As this is the first time it's happened to me personally, I can't say if both belts have broken the other two times, but what i can say is that we drove it from our base in Melbourne this morning straight after it had supposedly been 'fixed' by the mechanic. By fixed I mean the fan belt and possibly the serpentine belt had been replaced this morning before we before we drove it. These belts shouldn't be breaking so often. What could be causing this? I'm thinking a ceased pully ac, and I'm wondering if a worm tensioner could cause this. And could one belt breaking cause the other belt to fail by fouling or knicking it? Thanks for any advice.

[@runed0s86]

Sounds like one of the pulleys is seized... The idler pulley and tensioner pulley should spin freely! My tensioner pulley doesn't spin freely. Also check to see where your radiator exhaust fumes are going. Apparently radiator fluid can destroy belts.

[@macsworld570]

Honestly the video was veery good if you needed well explained imfeermation on your veericles belt tentioner

[@stillfrosty]

This is the best comment ever!

[@mikefortner4731]

🤣

[@tayaria7280]

Always have the best informative videos

[@smokeymagpot5569]

amy time u change the tensioner you should consider changing the belt as well to keep the tightness it needs to last. if u put a new belt first, then a tensioner later, then your new belt will start to loosen up in strength unfortunately so everyone keep that in mind when ur changing ur components. Excellent vid by the way bro!!

[@1AAuto]

+Richard Mcaffee Thanks for the feedback!

[@TheGrimmy]

he does mention it in the video... but yes! For those who didn't get that far in it's good to know!

[@BillSW]

and the idler too

[@shuriKen469]

thoroughly explained and well edited! cheers mate!!

[@twigsfloat2773]

That was such an excellent explanation. Good job, dude!

[@shortydancer]

That throttle body is soooo clean. Is it new?

[@billalexander8011]

This is a great video. Practical advice for common issues.

[@JimmyRedondo-ui9nq]

Your guys videos have helped me Soo much . Thank you

[@abdulrhmanalomireen4626]

Thanks Elaine for sharing continue & we'll support You ! 👌🏻

[@1AAuto]

+Abdulrhman Alomireen Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@WayneTDowdy3]

Thanks for providing quality content.

[@mr.nobody4900]

Excellent video. Is my practice to replace both Belt Tensioner along with the Serpentine belt. Sometimes is just good to have good peace of mind. You can't put a price on such a thing.

[@1AAuto]

+Mario S. Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@esgarza1486]

@@1AAuto what if the belt tensioner is shaking is that a bad sign

[@brentmyran1410]

@@esgarza1486 that's a bad sign gonna brake soon

[@iqbalbawa8875]

Hi thank you so much for really educational video. I have golf mk4 1.4 petrol. I have identified through your videos that my tensioner is seized and it is not doing what it is supposed to do. My question is how do i remove it ? I have looked high and low and cannot find a bolt that holds it in place. Any help and advise will be greatly appreciated.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

Just pulled one off my 2001 pt cruiser. I thought maybe the pulley was bad, but since that bolt hits the frame and can't come out, I pulled the tensioner. I did order both the pulley and tensioner with the belts. When I got the tensioner off, I thought it was good and I would just save it as a spare. After looking closely, the body housing in the tensioner had about a two inch crack in it. I'm glad I pulled it and didn't think it was just the pulley. I also found a broken tensioner in my 2006 Kia Sportage too. Probably doesn't hurt to just put a new one anyways.

[@dugefrsh5154]

you sir are doing God's work..thank you!

[@pancholin1950]

Very professional! Thanks for the info.!

[@musiclibrary3635]

Thank you so much for the great information, but What if the belt is shaking just in a certain rpm not all the time

[@mymusic3354]

Great video with excellent information, videos like this are awesome!

[@jenniferswanson9216]

The bolt to hold my tensioner in place is gone. What size bolt would fit on a 2003 GMC envoy serpentine belt tensioner? Please? I did appreciate this video. I wouldn't have known exactly what I needed. What I really need to know is what size bolt holds it on, and what could cause it to be missing.

[@linlyn4670]

hi, you made a very good video. thank you. my driver belt is making noise especially when car is on idle not squeal noise., the belt is shaky, tensioner pulley is moving (forward and backward), i wonder if the tensioner too weak, i just replaced with newtensioner and belt. your reply is very appreciated

[@Mr105246]

Nice video straight to the point

[@chefstir6]

I've heard people add a 'r' to the word wash but this is a first

[@MrKredinger]

Great video, very helpful

[@nrako]

Thanks so much that was so complete and easy to understand thanks!

[@StormLaker]

Best practice would be to just replace the idler and the tensioner when you replace your belt- then check your other pulleys for excessive play and replace what needs replaced so you don't wind up stranded along the road in the future.

[@trigg3306]

Thanks for the video !! Mine is making a tapping noise after running a while. I only replaced the idler pulley not the whole tensioner. But the noise continues, Any suggestions?

[@JesusRodriguez-xr4kn]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge it is good for all of US who some times do not the ability to afort the prices of calcified mecanic ;;; THANKS A MILLION❤❤😂

[@user-pl4op7zp5m]

thanks for teaching

[@Kenwood..]

List things that might make the tensioner loose or vibrate please. I just had a radiator flush and all the sudden I have a new noise that appears to be the tensioner moving back and forth slightly. Did they loosen it or remove belt to flush radiator???

[@tomaslopez4322]

Is it normal to be able to tu push down with one finger on the ac tentioner? It retracts but i wonder if its too weak

[@CDaeda]

How does it work of the tensioner has forward and/or aft play in movement? versus up or down.

[@prez1894]

Question : my 2001 Ford F-150 5.4 makes a chirping squeaking noise when I accelerate and stops when it’s running over like 50 mph their has been 3 times where it did not squeak. I ordered the exhaust manifolds and I’m hoping it’s that and engine light is on and says both banks are running lean. And it rarely starts to shake like as if it’s misfiring when at a stop light only done it 2 times it’s started the noise when the O2 exhaust sensors went bad almost a month ago so I replaced them but the noise is still there do y’all have any idea what it could be if it’s not the manifolds

[@firebreath1936]

I just replaced my serpentine belt again. But it has practically shredded both of them. The second one was torn right down the middle. And I saw a line in the back of the belt going down the middle as well

[@manuelramos4608]

I wanna be a good mechanic like this man when I’m older

[@miketewhare1875]

Thanks mate really helpful

[@smartman123]

very nice simple video

[@LostNbounded]

Wow amazing video. Thanks so much

[@Ghostcorley]

I have a 2007 Honda Odyssey, I put a new belt tensioner on but now I have stack in the belt, what do you recommend

[@pinkinwarri304]

Thanks for the lessons

[@johnritchie4801]

good clear explanations

[@chucktalley963]

i bought an 89 buick lesabre with a 3800..someone had replaced the tensioner\idler pulley with some aftermarket part i cant find..had flanged sides which i kinda like..i bought a new OE pulley for it but i dont know what side the dust cover goes on nor the washer..do you know what side the cover goes on and what size washer i need?..or how i can find out..thank you

[@Ali-fk7cn]

Here is a question, I have a Kia Sportage 2019 2.4 liter, I’ve replaced the belt few days ago, now I’m getting a squeaky sound for a couple second once I start the vehicle although the weather is hot (I live in Iraq and now days temp reaches 40C). I went to inspect the tensioner and it’s moving by hand a little! Now I know that’s enough to tell that the tensioner need to be replaced, but I want an expert opinion so I replace it myself. Thank you in advance

[@coltboy1987]

Nice man Top quality video very informative!

[@1AAuto]

+coltboy1987 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@Sroor2023]

A question please My friend said there was some vibration on the engine while Transmission on D or R and he said he changed tensioner in his Altima 2006 and that’s solved the problem so how tensioner involved on engine vibration while on standstill and transmission on D or R

[@MikzX]

super helpful video thanks !

[@rumplestillskin6424]

I only wanted to know the lbs of pressure the tensioner is putting on my belt . Plus how much preasure the bearing are to hold .mine seems to have to much.

[@user-lg5nu9fn6b]

Hi, need your advice on Honda Pilot 2011 3.5, the belt tensioner is braking the bolt, the 1st (original) tensioner was broken the bolt what was replaced with another one, after 12 days it's brake again from the bolt, please help me as the car machinic informed that nothing is stuck like power steering pump, alternator, ac compressor all are free moving.

[@keithdavis3411]

Going to replace tensioner on N maxima 98. Was able to work in some antisieze aound bearing seal until part comes. Seemed to help a lot

[@keithdavis3411]

Seemed to help a lot. Used a large screwdrivet and carefully pryed on pully area. Had about 1/32 of a gap to work in antisieze

[@mattboyer3095]

excellent video! really concise.

[@1AAuto]

+matt boyer Thanks for the feedback!

[@aciddiver1978]

Very good informational video👍

[@1AAuto]

+ronny kvalheim Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@mahmoudalshawi2010]

Very useful information....thank you...

[@1AAuto]

+Mahmoud Al Shawi Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@Odi2017]

Hi I just finished installing the new belt and tensioner. My new and old tensioner doesn’t have the 18 mm nut that moves the tensioner. How can I remove the pin from the new one I

[@Kalamboonga69]

Can y’all do a 2006 Ford Explorer dome light replacement

[@samgrant1747]

Great video 📹

[@invisableobserver]

How to repair it if belt is pulling too tight? it was not mentioned in the video. does it need a slightly longer belt? or a smaller pulley?

[@sjn7220]

Hydraulic tensioners can be extremely hard to retract and you have to do it slowly. Found that out on my old Camry.

[@CatylisticRevo62]

Did it seem to only go so far and then jam up?

[@ninjagodzilla6402]

So i thought i had a rod knocking my motor is so loud.ive actuly parked it.i just took the belt off all pullys to see if i could hear if my motor was knocking.it was smooth & quiet after i took the belt off.i spin all the pullys & none rattle or are loose.im wandering if my water pump is going out? Any suggestions?

[@g.backwoods2216]

Thank you sir

[@daveluxton8317]

nice vid. so how do you adjust the tension on a spring loaded tensioner? Or, is it even possible?

[@joeblow4888]

You don't.

[@MeliTelly]

I have an 03 civic. And when I’m sitting still I turn my steering wheel left and right and it jerks and my belts make noises too when I do that. Could it be that the belts aren’t adjusted right?

[@zabihataie5719]

Hay man Thanks a lot that was super helpful

[@sweat319]

Thanks you for your information

[@1AAuto]

+sweat319 Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@marcusland1119]

My AC belt tensioner flexes so much that it hits the stop repeatedly making a chattering noise. I've replaced the tensioner and threw on a new belt. Any idea what could be causing this? The AC blows cold but the loud chattering is annoying. 2002 Chevy Tahoe.

[@BEAZY_5150]

Did you ever figure it out a year later? I've had 2 new tensioners, both are doing the same. I've just been living with it for 6 months and it sucks!

[@momentosdeocio1621]

I change my tensioner pulley and when a put the belt back on and turn my car on, the tensioner pulley got stuck and it started a squeaking noise. What should i do?

[@elguerokabron]

If i have a whining kind of squeel in my belt area but only on idle and low speed & acceleration, under 10 mph. Would that be because of this? As soon as i go over 10 mph the noise goes away.

[@yocz2007]

Great tuto pal,thanks!

[@1AAuto]

+Patrick Meus Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@eastendguy485]

Great video Len!

[@1AAuto]

+eastendguy48 Thanks for the feedback!

[@jeffreyhernandez7009]

What about mine because mine when it's sitting there idling it's nice back and forth does that sometimes but by there's days it does and doesn't

[@NYERIC14]

Great Video Boss! Sharing

[@1AAuto]

+Mr. Personality Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@leroywordlaw7077]

Good INFO!!

[@martinknight5902]

The serpentine belt on my lexus gs300 keeps cutting off after an alternator change. What could be the problem?

[@telo990]

He real good at explaining

[@1AAuto]

+Telo Got it Thanks for the feedback!

[@willpage79]

I change my alternater in avalon 07 I thought I put the belt right but I turn engine on it ripped the belt I put another belt now the belt is loose what you think went wrong?

[@keifuchan7265]

I get a slight rattle and what sounds like belt chirp only at low rpms. I don't get any sounds when in neutral and revving the engine. Is this most likely the tensioner or belt? Why does the sound only happen at low rpms??

[@maestro6492]

Did you ever figure out what it was? That's what I got going on myself and just got a check engine!

[@_johnny_blaze_]

Can a symptom of a bad belt or tensioner be vibration when engine is parked, when accelerating, or at a stop light?

[@jonathanedmond3171]

Hi, the squeal I have seems to be coming from the alternator?

[@ro-landocalrissian4633]

So my car wouldn’t start the other day. It wasn’t the battery & the lights were working just fine. The tow truck guy tried jump starting it, but it still wouldn’t start. There was a humming noise when I tried starting it. After I got towed, the car started just fine & it’s been starting ever since! I had a diagnostic on it & it said bad charging system. Could this be an alternator issue or something else?

[@guidomeglio4800]

Top!! tnks 4 a video 👍

[@reaksmeymaranda2341]

I want to replace my hydraulic tensioner on my 2007 with 112000 miles Toyota Matrix but I’m afraid that the bolt that holds the tensioner might snapped as I’ve seen a few videos with the broken tensioner bolt😢.

[@dutch2505]

Does a seized pulley mean it should be replaced? Or can I un-seize it?

[@joedarden2276]

Well Done

[@Flexramos1111]

My belt runs like it’s going to slip off the pulley but doesn’t. And the tensioner works and all the pullies are Aligned. Any reason why it’s looks like that’s?