One way to keep your car from making unpleasant noises is to monitor idler pulley wear and replace it if necessary. The best time to replace an idler pulley is before it shows signs of wear. Replacing it early can save you from a costly repair down the line. It will prevent your car from making weird noises, and you can even apply WD-40 to make it quieter.
WD-40
If your vehicle’s idler pulley is squeaking, you might try spraying it with WD-40. It will quickly dry, but if you don’t have a good mechanic nearby, spraying the idler pulley with WD-40 might help temporarily solve the problem. WD-40 is great for lubricating bearings, and it can also be used to locate the squeaking component.
If your vehicle is squeaking due to a worn-out idler pulley, it’s likely the culprit. WD-40 will help the engine idle more smoothly and make the noise disappear. However, if the idler pulley is damaged or not functioning correctly, it could also be a symptom of a worn-out idler pulley. If you find this problem, the next step is to check for any worn parts.
When using WD-40 to quiet an idler pully, make sure to apply it directly to the belt where the noise is coming from. It’s important that you apply the lubricant in a squeaky area, as wd40 tends to disperse around the belt. WD40 should not be diluted with water as this could change the alignment of the idler pulley, making it even louder.
Inspection
If you notice a high-pitched whine after the engine starts up, an inspection of the idler pulley may be in order. If you find that it is making a roaring noise after about three minutes of driving, this may indicate that a bearing is worn or is misaligned. In either case, it is time to replace the idler pulley. In many cases, the idler pulley is very quiet. If it makes a high-pitched whine after the engine is running, the idler pulley may be missing lubrication or the bearings may be worn or seized.
If your idler pulley is loose, the noise it creates may be caused by a worn idler belt. In such cases, the belt may be wobbling around or vibrating, causing the engine to vibrate. Worn bearings can also cause the idler pulley to wobble. Excessive wobbling may also indicate the need to replace the idler pulley.
Replacement
If your car’s idler is making a whining noise, it could be a noisy belt. This noise can signal an underlying problem, and it’s essential to replace the belt. While there are many warning signs of worn drive belts, the first sign is usually the idler itself. Replace it to avoid unnecessary wear and tear and expensive repairs later. When you notice the first signs of wear and tear, replace the idler pulley.
To test the condition of the idler, take off the drive belt and check the tensioner pulley. You should feel resistance or a grinding noise when you turn the idler pulley by hand. Make sure to use a 15 or 24-mm wrench. Be sure to remove the spacer behind the idler pulley as well. Once you have removed the old idler pulley, install the new one. Apply blue Loctite 242 to the threads.
Keeping idler pulleys from going bad
Idler pulleys take a beating when the engine is running, and eventually a bad one will result in the belt failure and engine shut down. In some cases, you can detect a bad idler pulley by noticing chattering noises. If you notice these sounds, it’s important to replace the idler pulley. Fortunately, idler pulley replacement isn’t that expensive.
First, you can check the idler pulley visually for corrosion. If it looks like it’s corroded, this is a good indication that it’s time for a replacement. A dirty idler pulley is an indicator of a problem, and you can clean it for good measure. However, if you don’t see any visible corrosion, chances are you’ll need to replace it in the near future.
Secondly, you can choose a high-quality idler pulley by paying attention to its quality. Lower-quality ones often contain lower-grade components and wear out much more quickly. To protect your investment, buy a premier idler pulley and check for signs of rust and bearing issues. If it is leaking oil or corroded, it’s time for a replacement.
