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WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- 2001 - 2006 BMW X5 3.0i 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 2001 - 2003 BMW 525i Base 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 2001 - 2006 BMW 325Ci Base 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 1997 - 2000 BMW Z3 Roadster 6 Cyl 2.8L
- 2001 - 2005 BMW 330i Base 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 1999 - 2000 BMW 323i Base 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 2003 - 2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 2001 - 2002 BMW Z3 Roadster 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 2006 - 2008 BMW Z4 M Roadster 6 Cyl 3.2L
- 2001 - 2005 BMW 330Ci Base 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 2001 - 2003 BMW 530i Base 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 2006 - 2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe 6 Cyl 3.2L
- 1996 - 2000 BMW 328i Base 6 Cyl 2.8L
- 1999 - 2002 BMW Z3 Roadster 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 2001 - 2002 BMW Z3 Coupe 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 2001 - 2005 BMW 330xi Base 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 2001 - 2005 BMW 325xi Base 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 1999 BMW 323is Base 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 2001 - 2005 BMW 325i Base 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 1997 - 2000 BMW 528i Base 6 Cyl 2.8L
- 2000 BMW 323Ci Base 6 Cyl 2.5L
- 2005 BMW 330i M 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 2005 BMW 330Ci M 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 1999 - 2000 BMW Z3 Coupe 6 Cyl 2.8L
- 2000 BMW 328Ci Base 6 Cyl 2.8L
- 2001 BMW M3 Base 6 Cyl 3.2L
- 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i 6 Cyl 3.0L
- 1999 BMW 328is Base 6 Cyl 2.8L
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Shopping for Accessory Belt Tension Pulley
Summary
- An accessory belt tension pulley keeps the drive belt properly aligned and running smoothly by providing it with a rotating point to loop around.
- Without a reliable tensioner pulley, your car’s drive belt system will not work properly, putting all the belt-driven components at risk of malfunctioning or completely failing.
- Symptoms of a bad accessory belt tension pulley include loud squealing or grinding noise, visible signs of wear, premature belt wear, belt travel, and inability to rotate.
- As a general rule of thumb, the tensioner pulley should be changed every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
- The price of a direct-fit accessory belt tension pulley replacement generally ranges between $5 and $250. You can buy this part individually, by sets of two, or as part of a kit.
- Compatibility is important when choosing a tensioner pulley replacement to ensure that it will function efficiently. Our website makes it easier for you to find a unit that fits your vehicle — simply enter its year, make, and model to get specific results.
Your car’s engine bay is home to more than just the power-generating engine block. It also houses the engine accessories that keep your car running smoothly, including the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor, among others. In order for these accessories to work, they need to draw energy from the engine. This is why your car is equipped with an accessory drive belt system that’s made up of several important components, one of which is the accessory belt tension pulley.
What is an accessory belt tension pulley?
The accessory belt tension pulley is one of the principal parts of the belt tensioner, along with the tensioner arm, spring and base. The pulley keeps the drive belt properly aligned and running smoothly by providing it with a rotating point to loop around. It plays a role in maintaining the correct tension of the accessory belt so that it efficiently runs from the crankshaft and transmits power from the engine to the belt-driven accessories.
The drive belt system where the pulley can be found is typically located in front of the engine, where the belt moves in tandem with the engine’s revolutions. Tensioner pulleys that ride on the outer portion of the belt have a smooth outer wall, whereas tensioner pulleys riding on the inner portion of the belt have a grooved surface designed to slot into the grooves of the drive belt to keep it from slipping away.
Be careful not to confuse tensioner pulleys with idler pulleys. Even though they look and function the same, they’re still different in that the idler pulley is mounted to a fixed structure while the tensioner pulley is attached to an adjustable device.
How long does an accessory belt tension pulley last?
There are many factors that can affect the lifespan of your car’s tensioner pulley, including its quality, the amount of wear and tear that it’s subjected to, and the integrity of the other components in the drive belt system. As a general rule of thumb, this part should be changed every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. You may also refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to see if there’s a recommended schedule for replacing the tensioner pulley.
Symptoms of a bad accessory belt tension pulley
Without a reliable tensioner pulley, your car’s drive belt system will not work properly, putting all the belt-driven components at risk of malfunctioning or completely failing. This is why it’s important to make sure that the pulley is in good condition at all times. Knowing the signs of a damaged pulley that’s in need of a replacement can help you address the problem before it escalates and compromises your vehicle’s overall performance.
Loud squealing or grinding noise
A squealing noise from the drive belt is often the first indicator of a damaged tensioner pulley. There are many potential causes behind this issue. If you hear the squealing every time you start the engine, then it’s likely that your car’s tensioner pulley has gone loose, causing the belt to create a screeching sound as it rubs against the surface.
If the sound you hear is similar to grinding, then the metal parts of the tensioner pulley, particularly the bearings, may be to blame. When these metal parts wear out, they grind against each other and create an alarming grinding, clattering, or rumbling noise.
Visible signs of wear
Visible signs of wear such as scoring, scuff marks, and cracks on the surface of the pulley are common telltale signs that it needs to be replaced. This is caused by miles of repetitive rubbing against the belt’s surface. Since the drive belt assembly is not one of the parts commonly examined during regular maintenance checks, it can be easy to overlook this symptom.
Frozen pulley
Damaged bearings can hamper the movement of the pulley and cause it to seize up. When the drive belt moves over the surface of a stuck tensioner pulley, it may produce a squealing sound, rip up, or fall off the engine. A frozen pulley will no longer rotate freely when you try to spin it by hand.
Premature belt wear
A damaged pulley may cause the drive belt to become worn out long before the end of its service life, resulting in fraying and wear patterns throughout its length.
Belt travel
When your car’s tensioner pulley becomes significantly deteriorated, it will no longer be able to route the drive belt and maintain correct tension. This results in a slackened belt that visibly wobbles from side to side when you look at it while the engine is running on idle.
Accessory belt tension pulley replacement
There are many ways that a tensioner pulley can be damaged. As it constantly spins against the belt, it will become worn out and loose over time. Plus, corrosion and dirt may damage its bearings and make it move less freely. Incorrect belt tension can also keep the pulley from operating under the pressure it’s designed for.
Even worse, a damaged pulley may put your vehicle’s engine at risk of overheating and failure. The good news is that it doesn’t take too much time to replace this part. A professional mechanic may be able to replace it in less than an hour.
How much does an accessory belt tension pulley replacement cost?
The price of a replacement accessory belt tension pulley depends on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. The price of a direct-fit replacement generally ranges between $5 and $250. You can buy this part individually or in sets of two. They’re also sold as part of a kit.
Finding the right fit
As with any automotive part, compatibility is important when choosing a tensioner pulley replacement to ensure that it will function efficiently. To guarantee that you get the right fit, refer to your owner’s manual or your car manufacturer’s website for the specifications of its accessory belt tension pulley. Our website also makes it easier for you to find a unit that’s compatible with your vehicle — simply enter its year, make, and model to get specific results.
What Is an Accessory Belt Tension Pulley?
Your accessory belt tension pulley is an important part of your engine's belt tensioner. It maintains your accessory belt's tension, helping your engine power your belt-driven accessories. It plays a key role in keeping your different engine parts in place, so that your vehicle can run efficiently.
How Much Does an Accessory Belt Tension Pulley Replacement Cost?
Accessory belt tension pulleys are usually sold as individual pieces or in sets, ranging from $10 to $350. Various factors can affect part price, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Labor cost to replace your accessory belt tension pulley will depend on the extent of work your engine needs and your location.
Shop for Aftermarket Accessory Belt Tension Pulleys on CarParts.com
You don't have to visit a physical store to buy a new accessory belt tension pulley. You can easily order it from the comfort of your own home right here at CarParts.com. We have a great selection of competitively priced aftermarket accessory belt tension pulleys, so you can fix your vehicle in no time!
We have new and remanufactured accessory belt tension pulleys for various locations, such as your alternator, accessory drive, alternator, and power steering. They’re available as individual pieces and in sets, so you can buy them according to your requirements. Our website has many user-friendly features and refinements that can help you find the right part you need. We make car-parts shopping easy and quick, so you can place your order with just a couple of clicks.
We have a wide range of aftermarket accessory belt tension pulleys made in world-class facilities using the latest technology to ensure OE-grade fit and performance. They’re tested for optimal safety and durability. Confidently shop for aftermarket accessory belt tension pulleys, knowing that you’re only choosing from high-quality products.
You can also filter your search by entering your vehicle’s year, make, and model into our vehicle selector. This can help narrow down your choices based on compatibility. Check out our aftermarket accessory belt tension pulleys now and place your order today!
