Where Is the Tensioner Pulley Located?

Reviewed by

Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on May 12th, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Summary
  • While the location of the tensioner pulley can vary depending on the vehicle, you can usually find it at the end of the tensioner, which is typically connected to the accessory drive belt.
  • The tensioner pulley is responsible for keeping the belt tense while making sure it stays aligned the entire time you’re driving.
  • In most cases, accessing the tensioner pulley also means accessing the tensioner. Before you can get to the tensioner, you’ll have to loosen and remove the belt from the alternator.

Q: Where is the Tensioner Pulley Typically Located?

A: While the location of the tensioner pulley can vary depending on the vehicle, you can usually find it at the end of the tensioner. Typically, the pulley is considered part of the tensioner, although the pulley can be replaced by itself on some platforms. If you’re looking for the tensioner pulley, then locating the tensioner, which is typically connected to the accessory drive belt, is a good place to start.

On most 2007-2011 Toyota Camry models, you can find the tensioner and pulley right next to the alternator under the hood. The same goes for 2005 Honda Odyssey models, except the drive belt system isn’t located under the hood. Instead, it’s only accessible through an opening behind the front wheel on the passenger’s side.

The tensioner pulley is responsible for maintaining belt tension all while making sure it stays aligned as it travels around the pulleys.

The tensioner in this illustration is manipulated with a wrench using the bolt that secures the pulley, but you have to know which way the tensioner is spring-loaded in order to release the belt tension. You also need to hold it while you remove or install the belt. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian
The tensioner in this illustration is loosened using the square drive on a ratchet without using a socket. The arrow indicates the direction you have to move the tensioner to loosen the belt. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

Tips on How to Access the Tensioner Pulley

In most cases, accessing the tensioner pulley also means accessing the tensioner. Before you can get to the tensioner, you’ll have to loosen and remove the belt from the alternator first. Once the belt is out of the way, you can now unscrew the tensioner and remove the pulley.

Sometimes, accessing the tensioner pulley can be a little more complicated than that. On cars like the 2005 Honda Odyssey, you’ll have to jack up the front passenger’s side of the vehicle and remove the tire to gain access to the drive belt system.

Find a High-Quality Tensioner Pulley for Your Ride

A high-quality tensioner pulley can make all the difference for your vehicle. Here at CarParts.com, we carry a wide selection of tensioner pulleys sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry.

Find the right one for your ride by entering its details into our vehicle selector. This will narrow down the catalog to compatible tensioner pulleys for your ride. For a more personalized shopping experience, you can also use the search filters to refine the catalog according to your preferred brand, price range, quantity, and more.

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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician