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When you pop the hood of your car and take a peek at the engine, you'll likely notice a long, snaking belt that winds its way around various pulleys. This is known as the serpentine belt and it powers the alternator, air conditioner compressor, power steering pump, and on some vehicles, the water pump. But have you ever wondered how this belt stays in place and maintains the correct tension? Enter the serpentine belt tensioner.

The tensioner is small in size but plays a big part in your vehicle's performance. Its responsible for maintaining the right amount of tension on the serpentine belt to prevent the belt from slipping or coming off the pulleys.

Spring Loaded vs Hydraulic Tensioners

One type of tensioner commonly found in cars is the spring-loaded tensioner. As the name suggests, this tensioner uses a spring to exert the necessary force on the serpentine belt. The spring applies just the right amount of tension to keep the belt in constant contact with the pulleys so it effectively transfers power to the aforementioned components.

Another type of tensioner you may come across is the hydraulic tensioner. This version operates similarly to the spring-loaded tensioner but uses hydraulic fluid to regulate the tension. When the serpentine belt slackens, the hydraulic tensioner responds by automatically adjusting the fluid pressure, compensating for any changes in belt length. This makes it so that the belt remains properly tensioned, regardless of fluctuations caused by temperature or wear and tear.

Serpentine Belt Issues Related to the Tensioner

Now that you have a better understanding of what a tensioner is, you may be wondering what type of issues can arise when it isn't working correctly. Like any mechanical part, tensioners experience wear and tear over time. One of the most common problems is a faulty tensioner pulley bearing, which can lead to noise, vibrations, and even a loose serpentine belt. The tensioner itself may also experience issues, such as weakening springs or loss of hydraulic pressure, which can result in insufficient tension on the serpentine belt.

If you notice unusual noises or the serpentine belt slips, the team at Avon Auto & Truck can assist. We work with automotive belts and hoses and our offerings include serpentine belt replacement and repair. We will inspect your vehicle's belt and associated components, such as the tensioner, and get you back on the road again.

Whether it's a spring-loaded or hydraulic tensioner, this small but powerful component deserves some appreciation for keeping the belt securely in place. Should you run into any car belt and hose issues, don't hesitate to contact Avon Auto & Truck. We are here to assist when you need serpentine belt service in Avon and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and other automotive services.