The timing belt tensioner on your car is not something that typically causes problems. This is because most people trade in their car long before this part wears out. But, if you drive a high-mileage car, and it begins to have hard to diagnose issues, it could be the tensioner or the timing belt.
Issues that could be caused by the tensioner or the timing belt:
- The check engine light comes on
- The engine will not turn over
- Knocking sounds
- Engine misfires
- Grinding noise
The purpose of the timing belt is to synchronize the camshaft with the crankshaft. If either the tensioner or the timing belt becomes loose, that can’t happen. As a result, your vehicle can have a cascade of seemingly unrelated problems.
Timing belts naturally stretch out over time, and the purpose of the tensioner is to maintain the proper belt tension. However, if the timing belt tensioner is not working properly, the timing belt won’t be able to work properly either. This causes all sorts of trouble for you and your car.
A new timing belt tensioner can range in price from $20 to $70, and a new belt between $15 and $30, so luckily, the parts are not very expensive. It should take your mechanic less than 2 hours to install it. Basically, the work involves bolting on the new tensioner and stretching the new timing belt over it.
