WHY YOUR BELT TENSIONER MAY WOBBLE
                     WHY YOUR BELT TENSIONER MAY WOBBLE
Paul Norman Jasper
Writer at autopartsu.com whose favorite topics include, 
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and replacement radiator reviews at autopartsu.com.
If your car’s belt tensioner is wobbling, it is important that you take prompt 
action and replace the faulty part. Even if you are slightly concerned that 
your belt tensioner might be wobbling, it is best to take your car to the shop 
or replace the part yourself. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why belt 
tensioners wobble and explain why belt tension is essential for your 
automobile’s functionality.
RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPER BELT TENSION
If your automobile’s belt tension is even slightly low, there is the potential for 
the belt to slip and result in considerable noise, especially when the 
temperature is high. This slippage can cause early wear along the belt. Such 
wear is likely to spur problems with the functions of accessories driven by the 
belt.
CAUSES OF BELT TENSIONER WOBBLING
A wobbling belt tensioner can result from many different causes. In general, 
belt tensioners tend to get noisy when they fail. If your belt tensioner is 
chirping or makes other noises, it is often an indication that the part is old 
and needs to be replaced. You can even remove the belt, spin each pulley, 
and listen for rumbling or other noises. If the belt tensioner is moving more 
than it should, there is a good chance it will require replacement. It is also 
quite possible the damping mechanism is no longer functional or the spring 
that functions in unison with the belt tensioner has loosened.
IS THE BEARING THE REAL PROBLEM?
There is also the potential that something else can be causing the belt 
tensioner’s to wobble. One of these possibilities is if an underlying bearing 
has failed. If a bearing fails, it is important that you replace it as soon as 
possible. If you are mechanically oriented and good with your hands, you can 
replace the bearing on your own and even perform a full replacement of the 
belt tensioner and serpentine belt for the ultimate peace of mind.
CHECK THE IDLER PULLEYS
The belt tensioner likely runs on additional idler pulleys. Take a close look at 
these idler pulleys, and if they generate any odd noise, it is a red flag. Go 
ahead and spin them in a manual manner for yourself. If there is considerable 
motion from side to side, it is a sign the idler pulley needs to be replaced as 
soon as possible. Take care of this problem as quickly as possible so you do 
not wear out the belt or tensioner prematurely.
CRACKING AND RUST
Take a close look at the belt tensioner. Do you see any cracks or rust bleed? If 
you spot rust bleeding between the base and arm or rust directly on the belt 
tensioner, it is cause for concern. It’s also in your best interest to take a close 
look at the tensioner to see if there is any type of damage or cracking. Any 
such damage to the belt tensioner, bracket, housing, or arm has the potential 
to cause wobble. If you notice cracking, damage, or rust, replace the belt 
tensioner as soon as possible.
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