Tensioner Pulley Replacement Cost

The Tensioner Pulley’s job is to maintain tension on the engine belts. It’s spring-loaded, which enables it to keep the necessary belt tension, ultimately allowing different parts of the engine to move smoothly without any issues.

How Much Does Tensioner Pulley Replacement Cost?

If it gets damaged, it would cost you $100 to $400 to get the pulley replaced. The part itself doesn’t come cheap. Depending on the car you own, it will cost you around $80 to $250. The labor rates will vary from $40 to $175.

Auto CenterPrice
Walmart$80 - $200
Pep Boys$160 - $350
Mr. Tire$180 - $385
NAPA$150 - $365
Midas$180 - $400

How do You Know if a Tensioner Pulley is Functioning Properly?

Once the tensioner pulley gets loose or damaged, you are bound to face some issues. Your car’s performance won’t be the same as before. Just so that you know, here are a few symptoms that can alert you of the need for pulley servicing:

  • Grinding noise from the tensioner
  • Accelerated wear and tear of the belt
  • Failure of belt-associated parts

From the last statement, you will be able to tell that the Tensioner Pulley doesn’t go down alone. It can affect other parts, such as the water pump, AC compressor, and so on. So, a lot of parts can fail at the same time.

Can You Drive With a Faulty Tensioner Pulley?

Even though you can, it’s not suggested to do so because a lot of accessories depending on the tensioner pulley for normal functioning. So, it’s really unsafe to drive with a faulty Tensioner Pulley on any given day of the week.

Seriously, you won’t be able to tell whether the car will break down on your next ride or a few months down the road. So, it’s better to take your car to the auto repair shop at the earliest to prevent further damage to the car.

Is it Difficult to Replace a Tensioner Pulley?

To be honest, it’s not too difficult to replace a tensioner pulley. Very little technical knowledge is required. Even your drinking buddies will manage to pull it off, provided they are not drinking at the time of repair.

Typically, a job of this nature requires you to rotate the tensioner, get rid of the old tensioner, and install the new one in the vacant space. The new pulley will typically last for 60,000 to 1,00,000 miles. So, it’s going to stick around for long.

Important Note: How long the repair will take will also depend on the extent of the damage. If it’s just loose, then it will be an easy fix. If the pulley is completely damaged, then expect to spend an hour or two for repair work.

How To Save Money On a Tensioner Pulley Replacement?

One of the best ways to save money on a tensioner pulley is to source the tensioner on your own. If you look around, you will be able to find the part at a lower price than what an auto repair shop would normally charge you.

You can also compare prices for labor and settle for a shop that charges the lowest. Of course, the quality shouldn’t be missing. Just make sure that you choose a dependable auto repair company for the job.

On the CarServiceLand, you can also find estimates of car repair or maintenance service costs:

Transmission Fluid ChangeIgnition Switch ReplacementHeater Core Replacement
Head Gasket RepairFuel Filter ReplacementFront Wheel Bearing Replacement
Freon ReplacementEVAP System RepairDrum Brake Replacement
Coolant Leak RepairControl Arm ReplacementCV Joint Replacement
Clutch ReplacementAC Condenser ReplacementAC Compressor Replacement
AC RechargeAlternator ReplacementAxle Repair
Ball Joint ReplacementCar Water Pump ReplacementSide Mirror Replacement
Thermostat ReplacementRemote Starter InstallationRear Differential Replacement
Rack and Pinion ReplacementPower Steering Pump ReplacementOil Pan Gasket Replacement
Muffler ReplacementMotor Mount ReplacementLower Ball Joint Replacement
Transmission RebuildTransmission Cooler Lines ReplacementTire Rotation
Tire BalancingTiming Chain ReplacementTiming Belt Replacement
Tie Rod ReplacementABS Control Module ReplacementStrut Replacement
Steering Rack ReplacementSpark PlugsRadiator Replacement
Radiator FlushCar Window ReplacementBrake Booster Replacement
O2 Sensor ReplacementFuel Pump ReplacementExhaust Leak Repair
Drive Belt ReplacementCoolant FlushCatalytic Converter Replacement
Car Starter RepairBumper ReplacementBrake Line Repair
Brake Fluid FlushCar Tune UpVCT Solenoid Replacement
Valve Cover Gasket ReplacementUniversal Joint ReplacementTransmission Solenoid Replacement
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid ReplacementTensioner Pulley Replacement CostSway Bar Replacement
Steering Shaft RepairSteering Gearbox ReplacementSpeed Sensor Replacement
Shift Solenoid ReplacementRear Main Seal ReplacementPowertrain Control Module Replacement
Mass Air Flow Sensor ReplacementIntake Manifold RepairHeadlight Bulb Replacement
Fuel Injector ReplacementExhaust Manifold RepairEGR Valve Replacement
Crankshaft Replacement CostControl Arm Bushing ReplacementCanister Purge Valve Replacement
Camshaft Position Actuator ReplacementBrake Master Cylinder ReplacementBody Control Module Repair
Blend Door Actuator ReplacementWindow Motor RepairWindshield Wiper Motor Replacement
AC Fan ReplacementBelt Tensioner ReplacementBlower Motor Replacement
Coolant Reservoir ReplacementFuel Pressure Sensor ReplacementKnock Sensor Replacement
Oil Pressure Sensor ReplacementPressure Control Solenoid ReplacementPurge Valve Replacement
Throttle Body ReplacementTransmission Filter ChangeWindshield Washer Pump Replacement
Car Battery ReplacementTire PatchCar Wrap

About the author

Check Also

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Oxygen Sensor?

Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor is a critical component that ensures optimal engine performance and fuel …

How Much Does an Oil Leak Repair Cost?

An oil leak can be a major concern for any car owner, as it can …