Land Rover vehicles were built to last as you go from highway surface to dirt paths. Your Land Rover can take you on all the outings and adventures that you have dreamed of in a safe and beautifully-designed way.
The best way to keep your Land Rover in this peak condition is to maintain the overall performance of the vehicle. This means ensuring that parts are not worn and damaged. One such part that should be repaired immediately if it becomes damaged is the idler pulley. Below, you will find out more about this part and what signs to look for if the idler pulley is damaged.
The Purpose of the Idler Pulley
The idler pulley is located in the engine bay. It is responsible for ensuring that the drive belt stays firmly in place. The idler pulley creates tension and guides the drive belt as it rotates around the engine. The drive belt comes in contact with specific engine accessories such as the alternator, water pump, AC compressor, and the power steering pump.
The drive belt is responsible for helping in the function of these accessories. So, the idler pulley is in place to maintain the position of the drive belt. Without the idler pulley, the drive belt would not be able to connect with the necessary parts. Damage to the idler pulley can result in damage to the drive belt and the parts connected to the drive belt.
Signs of a Damaged Idler Pulley
One thing to look for in regards to a damaged idler pulley is visible signs of wear and tear. If you look under the hood to inspect the idler pulley yourself, you may see that it has damage to it. Over time, the idler pulley can begin to slip and come in contact with the drive belt in the wrong way and cause signs of visible wearing. This also damages the drive belt. Both of these instances lead to the drive belt slipping out of place.
Another sign of a damaged idler pulley is the drive belt squealing. When the surface of the idler pulley becomes damaged, the drive belt will rub unnaturally against the pulley. This is when the squealing sounds occur. In a brand new idler pulley, the surface is smooth to allow the drive belt to rotate with ease. As time goes on and the surface wears down, the belt squeals as it makes its way over the idler pulley that is no longer smooth. The squealing sound will usually be heard when you start up your Land Rover.
Another sign that will let you know the idler pulley should be repaired is if serious neglect has occurred. The idler pulley will get to this point if it has been left to significantly wear down. For example, if you noticed both of the signs above but do nothing to have the idler pulley repaired, then the next step would be for it to wear down to the point where it is cracked or coming apart. Once this occurs, the idler pulley can not function the way it was intended so the drive belt will be negatively affected. The most likely event is the drive belt being torn, but in serious cases, the drive belt can completely fall off the engine.
Repairing the Damaged Idler Pulley of your Land Rover
In order to maintain the overall optimal function of your Land Rover, watching out for signs that indicate any sort of damage is key. This especially applies to the idler pulley because this part maintains the overall function of the drive belt.
As all parts are directly or indirectly connected to one another, when one part is damaged, other parts can become a problem, too. This is why when you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, it is time to bring your Land Rover in to be repaired.
The best place to have your Land Rover inspected is at Dell’s Service Center, near the areas of Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI. At Dell’s Service Center, we have a team with over 46-years of combined experience that is backed by certifications and training. One of our goals is to provide you with the peace of mind from our professional and trustworthy technicians.
We have the latest diagnostic tools and will quickly identify any issues with the idler pulley. With your consent, we will quickly and efficiently repair the idler pulley with the best parts available and have you safely back on the road in no time. Call us today.