What happens when a tension pulley goes bad

When a tension pulley goes bad, several issues can arise, affecting the performance and reliability of the system it is a part of. Here are some common consequences of a faulty tension pulley:

Belt Slippage: The primary function of a tension pulley is to maintain proper tension on a belt or chain in a mechanical system. A worn or defective tension pulley may fail to provide adequate tension, causing the belt to slip. Belt slippage can result in reduced power transmission efficiency, diminished performance of the driven components, and potential overheating.

Noisy Operation: A failing tension pulley can produce various noises, such as squealing, chirping, or grinding. These noises often occur due to the pulley's misalignment or worn bearings. Ignoring the noise and continuing to operate the system can lead to further damage.

Increased Wear on Belts and Pulleys: Insufficient tension caused by a faulty tension pulley can cause increased wear on the belts and other pulleys within the system. The excessive movement and friction can accelerate the deterioration of belts, leading to their premature failure. It can also cause damage to other pulleys, such as the crankshaft pulley or other accessory pulleys.

Loss of Functionality: If the tension pulley fails completely or breaks apart, it can cause a complete loss of functionality for the driven system. For example, if the tension pulley is part of the engine's accessory belt system, it can lead to the failure of components like the alternator, power steering pump, or air conditioning compressor.

Overheating: In some cases, a malfunctioning tension pulley can lead to excessive heat generation due to belt slippage. This can impact the performance of cooling systems, such as the water pump or radiator fan, potentially leading to engine overheating.

To prevent further damage and maintain the proper functioning of the system, it is crucial to address a bad tension pulley promptly. Replacing the faulty pulley with a new one and ensuring proper belt tension can restore the system's performance and prevent associated issues.