Transportation has become one of our daily needs and this brings us to one of our man’s needs and this brings us to one major part of our car which is the idler pulley. You may not know what an idler pulley is, and want to know more about it, or you are curious about where it is, its function, what will happen to your car if the idler pulley fails, signs of a failing idler pulley if you can drive with a failed idler pulley, and how to replace an idler pulley and the cost of replacement.
What is an Idler Pulley?
An idler pulley is a well-known machine found in vehicles. Its main function is to work as a guide to the engine drive belt and creation of tension for the engine drive belt. It is called an idler pulley because when compared to other pulleys it is not driven by a shaft or motor it idles. It consists of bearings that could grind, squeak or wear if the idler pulley is made from plastic, the pulley surface can also wear out. They also produce a clutching action.
Where is the Idler Pulley Located in the Car?
The idler pulley is found close to the front view of the car engine. You will see the belt in rotational motion together with the engine. The idler pulley can be found when you view the serpentine belt moving on the engine.
Types of an Idler Pulley
There are different types and varieties of the idler pulley and they are:
Industrial idler pulley: an industrial pulley is a pulley on a shaft that is situated on or presses against the drive belt that provides guidance or takes up loose. Metric idler pulley: this is a type of idler pulley system that helps in the connection of distant points through an idler pulley.
There are other varieties of an idler pulley designed in different styles such as V-belt, plain, flat, and cable styles. Some are to function in terms of strength and durability. Some work to prevent groove deformation while some help to prevent rubbing against flanges.
The function of an Idler Pulley
The sole function of an idler pulley is it serves as a guide or protection to the engine drive belt and provides tension to the engine drive belt of your vehicle.
What Happens if an Idler Pulley Fails
An idler pulley fails either by breaking or seizing a failed idler pulley can lead to the belt falling off the engine, or in a more severe case can quickly develop faults such as stalling and overheating as it’s driving the belt that permits the engine accessories to work properly.
Signs of a Failing or Bad Idler Pulley
Some of the signs of a failing or bad idler pulley are:
Squealing sounds from your carExcessive or too much spinning of the idler pulleySlow and lack of spin or binding of the idler pulleySurface corrosionExcessively slack idler pulley.
How to Replace an Idler Pulley
You can either replace the idler pulley of your car on your own or employ the services of an automobile repair professional.
You can follow the following steps to replace your idler pulley yourself.
Remove the belt from the idler pulleyKeep the idler pulley in place with your hand so that it does not turn Use a socket wrench to loosen the center bolt. Completely remove the bolt and pull the idler pulley from the engineInstall the new idler pulley Fix back the boldEnsure that the center bold of the idler pulley is torque to 40 lbs.
How much does an Idler Pulley Replacement Cost?
Replacing the idler pulley of your car can cost you about $80 to $200. The cost of a new idler pulley ranges from $40 to $90 while the cost for labor is about $40 to $110.
Conclusion
With the vital functions of an idler pulley, if there is any squeak, wobble, or undue friction, the idler pulley should be replaced. You can improve the life span of your vehicle’s idler pulley by maintaining proper tension on the serpentine belt and buying new belts when needed for the smooth running of your engines.
Can You Drive Your with a Bad Idler Pulley
No, it’s not safe to drive your car with a bad idler pulley. Replace it immediately
How Long Can You Drive with a Bad Idler Pulley
You might be able to drive a few thousand miles with a bad idler pulley before a drop in your car’s performance will occur.
