Mazda BT-50 Idler pulley replacement
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Mazda BT-50 Idler pulley replacement
What happens when your Mazda BT-50 idler pulley fails?
The accessories attached to your Mazda BT-50 engine rely on power from the crankshaft to operate.
Utilising drive belts, the energy of the revolutions of the crankshaft is transferred to these accessories.
But what keeps the belts in check so they don’t fall off? That’s the job of the idler pulley.
Its main job is to keep the correct tension on the belt from the tensioner and help guide the belt to stay on the correct routing without coming off.
These idler pulleys rely on bearings to keep them spinning freely and are usually made from plastic, although some models have idler pulleys made from pressed metal or composite materials.
The high temperatures in the engine bay and constant motion on these pulleys can wear them out over time, and the only option is to replace them.
Failure of the idler pulley can cause the drive belt to dislodge from the engine, causing further problems for your Mazda BT-50.
The belts drive the alternator, water pump and power steering pump. Overheating and loss of power steering are symptoms that either the belt or one of the pulleys has failed.
Other symptoms can be a battery warning light illuminated in the instrument panel, squealing or screeching noise from the engine or a burning smell from the engine bay.
There is often more than one idler pulley fitted to your Mazda BT-50's engine and if one fails, it’s best to have them all replaced at the same time to save on labour costs.
The drive belt should also be replaced when replacing idler pulleys to ensure correct operation.
Not only is it embarrassing to have your Mazda BT-50 squealing when you drive, but you also risk breaking down if the idler pulley can no longer keep tension on the drive belt.
This can happen at any time, without warning and will leave you without power steering and can cause the engine to overheat or the battery to go flat.
It’s best to have your idler pulleys replaced as soon as you notice a problem to ensure your Mazda BT-50 continues to operate correctly. That's where AutoGuru can help.
