Car tensioner leak. Also, suggested to replace the Serpentine belt.
Car tensioner leak. It covers either the engine’s timing chain or the timing belt while keeping engine oil from leaking out. I've noticed a leak on the back of the engine and i've tracked it to the chain tensioner. How could they visually see that? Flip open the upper timing belt cover and Mar 25, 2017 · Oil leak is occurring on 03' Corolla with 208K miles. I've only done two water pumps at home in the garage. . Signs Of Timing Belt Tensioner Failure There are several different ways to detect timing belt tensioner failure simply by driving the vehicle. Ask the dealer how much it would cost to just replace the O-ring on the tensioner. When this happens, it comes with some obvious signs. With your hand or a torque, spin the pulley in the same direction it spins in when the engine is on. How much does a new timing chain tensioner cost? Timing chain tensioner replacement can cost anything from $300 to $1500 (not including labor). The most recently reported issues are listed below. The only tricky parts are latching the tensioner in fully Mar 30, 2023 · And oil was leaking out by the 2nd or 3rd day. I’m not overly handy and was able to replace it myself using YouTube and other references. Leak has gotten worse. The gasket would seal at idle but as the tensioner is driven by oil pressure, when revving the engine, you would get an oil leak as oil pressure increases. However, if the camshaft tensioner leaks, the belt will begin fraying. Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner The most common symptom of a bad or failing drive belt tensioner is noise from the belts or tensioner. When working correctly, it ensures constant tension on the belts to prevent slippage. Sep 25, 2013 · That's exactly where the chain tensioner is, which is literally right next to the belt tensioner shown in your picture which you claim has oil on it. The timing chain It uses hydraulic oil to maintain the tension. Mar 9, 2021 · An engine drive belt tensioner is a relatively inexpensive part to replace, and can help protect other components. Read on to learn how to spot the signs of tensioner failure, what it’ll cost to fix, and whether you can continue driving until your service appointment. Sep 9, 2016 · After he mentioned the tensioner cover, I decided to really get in there and see if it was the cover. Aug 25, 2022 · I have a 96 Buick Park avenue with the 3800 vin k engine. I Dec 8, 2024 · The chain tensioner has a metal gasket that only goes on one way, but the flange has to be fully seated to seal. Feb 9, 2022 · Timing belt tensioner — Everything you need to know Timing Belt Tensioner — How Each Type Works and Fails The timing belt tensioner in your engine can be one of three different styles: spring tensioned, sealed and pressurized hydraulic style, and the oil pressure operated. Driving with a bad timing belt tensioner can damage the engine. How could they visually see that? Flip open the upper timing belt cover and Aug 18, 2009 · I took my car in for the annual state inspection, and despite me often looking over the car carefully, they did find a small oil leak on the belt tensioner. So, since it was the easy thing Jul 7, 2015 · What is the gasket on your car made out of? Sounds like the gasket didn't make a good seal perhaps, or you rushed something or some of the old gasket wasn't cleaned off and caused a leak. The time now is 06:37 AM. When it fails, you’ll see oil in places that make you nervous. Anyway, oil leak source is in the region of the timing chain tensioner and/or drive belt tensioner bolt. May 23, 2025 · Once you notice some of the symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley, you could start running into trouble. Jan 19, 2023 · The timing cover may develop an oil-leaking problem, which should be fixed immediately. Learn about belt squeal, noise, tracking issues, and more. ) . Valve Cover Gasket: The Classic Leak Your valve cover gasket seals the top of the engine where the valve cover meets the cylinder head. 000 kilometers and wondering if i should do the whole kit or just the gaskets. Here’s a picture of the tensioner with the timing cover removed. Learn how to reseal the cover. What’s the deal? Did I buy a turd? I thought all the reviews glowed about the cx5? Anyone else see this belt tensioner issue ? Dec 18, 2023 · A modern car can have three different belts each with its own tensioner so you’ll need to be precise if you want to figure out which one is the problem. The leak is either the tensioner, timing cover seal or the valve cover seal. Spin the tensioner pulley. Only the hydraulic-style chain tensioners are impacted by this issue. Aug 28, 2024 · I'm working on replacing old parts on the car and noticed oil behind the engine on passenger side. Last year I changed the O ring from Timing chain tensioner due to oil leakage. Second pic is after engine was run 800-3000 rpm (under no load, in neutral) for roughly 10 minutes, then observed 2 days later. It will extend fully when opened. In this article, we’ll discuss some symptoms that might indicate a problem with the […] Dec 16, 2024 · The timing cover is a metal or plastic casing that protects your engine’s timing components from dirt, dust, and debris. Jan 11, 2022 · I recently replaced the Timing Chain Tensioner, but I did notice some oil from underneath the bottom of it after I cleaner the engine and ram the car while looking for the leak underneath. In this article, I look closer at the symptoms a bad tensioner pulley will cause. Mine leaked at 42K miles. Oct 19, 2025 · Automotive expert Charley Helvy says your timing belt tensioner might be bad if it moves a lot while the engine is running, you see irregular wear, the alternator isn’t charging, and the water pump slips or even overheats. Can I take it apart again and use a sealer on the o-ring or will it cause other issues if I ever need to remove it Nov 11, 2012 · I finally got around to doing a timing chain tensioner DIY for the 1ZZFE thanks to a leak on my 2003 Corolla LE. The leak depicted is after cleaning it about a month ago. It should be easy enough to confirm though, it's just sitting there on the back side of the engine (referencing the front of the car) near the bottom, about 4 - 5 inches up next to the timing belt / cover. The belt tensioner has hydraulic fluid that can leak, happened to my CX-5. Above 2000rpm it spills oil out. Apr 20, 2018 · The timing belt idler pulley bolt is a possible source of the leak, it’s right next to & above the tensioner. A car’s engine tensioner is a small but important component, whether for the timing belt or accessory drive belt. Never had a leak. Still have yet to replace the tensioner or anything else besides the oil and filter between now and when I initially posted this. Each type has advantages and disadvantages and different ways of failing. See pics below. Oct 27, 2022 · Over time, this coating can wear away due to heat and friction, leading to oil leaks. 5 years and ~65k miles. Hopefully the video is decent quality enough to Customer: can a belt tensioner leak. Seems to Jan 2, 2025 · Learn the top signs of a bad timing belt tensioner, including noise, performance issues, and more to keep your vehicle running smoothly. They told me this would not be covered by the warranty. However, if the tensioner breaks due to wear and tear, the timing chain might slip out of place, requiring a new tensioner. Contamination from oil or coolant leaks can also make the belt slip. i must replace the serpentine belt and tensioner, thoughts? Jan 2, 2022 · Replace timing chain tensioner o-ring or indeed the full tensioner itself. I cleaned up the mess and drove the car for a week and inspected it today. He said down there “ it’s leaking oil already, gotta I’ve noticed an oil leak from my chain tensioner. The tensioner is by far the weakest link in the timing system so I wouldn't ignore it. If the timing belt tensioner isn’t keeping the timing belt tight, the engine will go in and out of perfect timing. I installed a new coolant elbow that goes from the tensioner to the manifold with no sealer. Remove the serpentine belt from the tensioner pulley. This small yet critical component keeps your engine’s timing chain tight and functioning properly. Jul 9, 2025 · A car’s belt, typically the serpentine belt, most often breaks due to accumulated age and wear, misaligned pulleys or a faulty tensioner, incorrect belt tension, contamination from leaking fluids like oil or coolant, or the failure of driven accessories such as the alternator or water pump. Dec 17, 2023 · Is your car making strange noises? Learn how to identify signs of a bad tensioner pulley and how to replace it yourself. The health check came back with brakes needed (which I knew) plus the following more worrying issues: QTE 1) Oil leak down front of engine. Clean the engine with degreaser, to allow better look at the source of the leak. It's a quick fix. is this common. Because a faulty timing belt tensioner can lead to severe engine damage, recognizing the symptoms early on can literally save you thousands in The timing chain tensioner’s primary role is to maintain the appropriate tension on the timing chain while ensuring that the crankshaft and camshaft rotation are in sync. This DIY will apply universally to all 1999-2008 Corolla, Matrix, Chevrolet Prizm, and Pontiac Vibe and should be very Oct 13, 2022 · I have a 2015 Mazda 6 Touring with 110,000 miles. Dec 9, 2023 · A timing chain tensioner maintains the correct tension in the timing chain, ensuring it runs smoothly by keeping it tight using either spring tension or hydraulic pressure. Then you can remove the tensioner, close it back up and lock it, replace the gasket, and reinstall it. Since the replacement, I've noticed two issues: Hesitation on Startup and Apr 29, 2020 · Hello fellow B6 owners and gurus. and it work for a few week with no oil leak. May 5, 2024 · I recently had the hydraulic belt tensioner replaced on my 2017 CX-5 with 68,000 miles due to a leak. Took car into Honda dealership and after their “inspection,” they send me a video with the technician saying I have some oil leak at the side of engine where the timing chain tensioner cover is. Coolant is essential for temperature regulation in the engine, and coolant leaks can cause engine overheating and radiator damage. 5 days ago · Took my 2019 Pilot into the Dealer for standard oil change service and they told me the Timing Belt Tensioner is leaking. Often, the tensioner may get damaged and fail due to many factors. May 17, 2014 · The timing belt tensioner absolutely can leak and when it does it's usually not that hard to tell. Get a small mirror and a bright flashlight so you can inspect the entire corner to find the leak. You can replace serpentine belt and water pump stretch belt when you put a new belt tensioner on. So, what happens when these go bad? Feb 24, 2025 · Mysterious engine leak driving you crazy? It could be your timing cover. Nov 15, 2024 · My 2013 tensioner was leaking a little bit at 7. 8t BFB engine. The issue there was that someone over torqued the bolts to the chain tensioner which caused the metal around the bolts to lift slightly. If you really want to seal the leak, pull the valve cover, align the top timing marks. Along with squealing, you might notice a burning rubber smell. Sounds like you'll need the remove the water pump and attempt it again. A serpentine belt typically comes off due to misaligned pulleys, a failing tensioner, or a worn-out belt. Damaged pulleys or bearings can cause the belt to slip off its track. Depending on the vehicle, that could be anywhere from 3-10+ hours. Dec 21, 2023 · In this article, we cover the timing belt tensioner. In addition, you’ll have to pay for parts, which can range significantly in cost. Is this a severe issue that should be fixed right away? Jan 2, 2008 · i got a big problem i put some cams in a few weeks ago i go to start the car and alot of oil is coming out the timing chain tensioner. While it starts small, a failed tensioner can eventually cause timing chain problems that’ll cost thousands to fix. To unlock it, you would push the exhaust side guide toward the firewall of the car and let it go. A local shop performed the work, installing a new INA tensioner, a NAPA serpentine belt, and an OEM water pump belt. Jan 21, 2025 · In this post, we’ll cover the common symptoms of a bad drive belt tensioner, how it impacts your car’s performance, and what steps you can take to diagnose and fix the issue. Seized or Worn Pulleys Can Cause a Drive Belt Breakage Another reason a drive belt breaks is a seized pulley or a failed idler roller bearing. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Volkswagen Tiguan based on all problems reported for the Tiguan. First was a timing cover or oil pan I forget. There’s no need to remove the timing cover to see the tensioner as it is visible from beneath the car right above the oil filter. This article helps you know when the time is right for replacement. A chirping noise and constant squealing after you start the car are the two primary symptoms of a bad belt tensioner. They called and said that the drive belt tensioner is leaking and suggested to replace it. And you don’t want that to happen. Dec 13, 2011 · Ok, some of you know I recently did a UIM/LIM job, and in that thread I mentioned a leak a while back where fluid was coming from somewhere near the alternator, well I just had that start leaking again, fluid is lightly spraying out of what appears to be the belt tensioner's center part, I don't What does it mean by "Timing Chain Tensioner Leaking Engine Oil" and how much should it cost to fix? Hi guys, So last weekend, my friend didn't seal the gas cap properly, and my CEL was on. While taking a closer look, I was convinced that it was indeed timing chain tensioner cover as well, it just looked as though the crank was leaking because the tensioner cover plate is basically directly above it. At next oil change, put dye into Your car will reveal a few clues the time has come to address a faulty tensioner. Looking for some info on Audi a4 b6 1. Replace this gasket if needed. they said this was a common problem for this engine. When a timing belt tensioner fails, it will cause catastrophic engine damage which can cost upwards of $1,000 or more based on the damage. The technician removes the valve cover, sets the crank and camshaft to top dead center on cylinder #1, unbolts the tensioner, replaces the O-ring on the tensioner, resets and reinstalls the tensioner, and reassembles the valve cover with a new gaskets. The biggest symptom of timing belt tensioner failure is a rough running engine. Understand how to fix it and maintain your vehicle effectively Timing chain tensioner replacement: The timing chain has a tensioner, which is essential for proper positioning. Jun 18, 2017 · I took my car in for the annual state inspection, and despite me often looking over the car carefully, they did find a small oil leak on the belt tensioner. Aug 18, 2009 · I took my car in for the annual state inspection, and despite me often looking over the car carefully, they did find a small oil leak on the belt tensioner. Replace VVT valve o-ring, as a preventative measure. This provides a very consistent amount of stretch to the bolt, ensuring clamping force. Nov 11, 2020 · A car that leaks oil is not an uncommon sight. I had to replaced the drive belt tensioner at 70,000 miles because it was leaking. If the tensioner pulley moves, but doesn't extend quickly to the point where it puts the right amount of tension on the belt, the spring may be bad. anyone else Apr 30, 2020 · Update. First is after I wiped down all the engine surfaces. Car is at 96,100ish miles. If the timing belt tensioner is leaking, it will lose the tension it needs to keep the timing belt tight. Oil May 16, 2024 · But I really doubt you need a set of new rear shocks at 53K miles, unless they have obvious oil leak (not seepage) as described in the related TSB. Valve cover is excellent opportunity to check lift bolts, check valve clearance, chain slack and sprocket condition. In addition, if the timing chain tensioner fails or becomes worn out, it can cause oil to leak from the timing chain cover. I'm wondering, when does the chain, chain tensioner etc usually fail? My car is at 193. These factors may include damaged springs, leaking oil, engine overheating, wear and tear, etc. The car has about 40,700 miles on it. Do these only go in one way? Anyone have any ideas to get this to stop leaking oil. Spark plugs can wait, you're just approaching the halfway point of their lifespan. After the fix, the upper part of the Nov 22, 2022 · The hydraulic fluid leaks that form on the timing chain tensioner are the final reason for bad timing chain tensioner symptoms that we’ll discuss. I've been trying to google the info but all i can Learn how to check a serpentine belt tensioner for problems and know when is time to replace it. One a Honda and the other a Toyota. Jun 6, 2008 · I've been looking in the manual for something regarding the timing chain tensioner, but all I can find is information about the timing chain itself (besides the location of the tensioner). May 22, 2020 · Hello bros, Finally my last car is out from the barn. It's not a question of "if" but "when. Still dripping when running. Drive Belt Tensioner Leaking- I was told by the dealer that my drive belt tensioner is leaking hydraulic fluid and they recommend replacing that along with that belt. I’m debating driving it anyway and checking the oil regularly and filling it as needed. Water pump replacement: A faulty serpentine belt tensioner can indirectly lead to water pump issues. The tensioner sure seems to be the weakest link. Oct 24, 2025 · If your engine is making strange rattling noises and your car isn’t running as smoothly as usual, you might have a failing timing chain tensioner. D epending on your car, you should be able to do the work in 15-60 minutes depending on what you have to remove. Jan 16, 2022 · Hello I have 2008 Corolla 120000km automatic in Canada. Mar 27, 2019 · I went in for an oil change yesterday for my '16 CX-5 sport. I used an engine oil dye to confirm this. The symptoms of a bad timing belt tensioner include an illuminated check engine light, engine performance problems, starting problems, and noises from the engine. Suddenly today i see dripping oil from the gasket on the inner part ( Marked in red and With "X" ) Tried to tighten the bolts 13mm x 2pcs (marked as 1. i took it off change the gasket same thing i even changed the tensioner to another one same thing im Apr 24, 2021 · It looks like it's leaking from the valve cover and dripping onto the tensioner area. There are a couple of spots where the oil collects to drip from when stationary. A quick google search gave me information that the tensioner is a common cause when it comes to oil leakage here. I get dreaded up-sell text “the tech has noticed that your timing belt tensioner is leaking…”. New bolts come “pre-coated” with sealer, or you can re-use the old bolt with new sealer/thread locker. Aug 16, 2025 · Don’t ignore this leak. Jul 14, 2021 · So the car went in for it's 8yr service (Major) on Saturday (40k miles). What you guys How to Replace a Belt Tensioner: 14 Steps If you have time and tools, replacing the belt tensioner in your car is a straightforward job. Back around 185K miles, valve cover gasket was (finally) replaced because it was leaking towards front of the car and in the direction of the passenger tire and heavily coated those sides of engine. It's a cheap part and not too hard a job. How does a tensioner work on a bolt? The tensioner is clamped to the bolt’s threads and pushes against the flange in the surface being bolted. You can easily check both if you stick your head back there with a light or lift the car and look from underneath. Yesterday while I was servicing my car the tech said that the belt drive tensioner and serpentine belt need to be replace because of leaking in the tensioner. Also, suggested to replace the Serpentine belt. Any recent timing belt work? Oil leaking on to accessory belt tensioner - what could be the cause?All times are GMT -5. The VVT oil control solenoid valve is nearly directly above the location that you described. Believe this to be front casing leaking from failed front cover bolts, advise further investigation. To fix the issue, inspect and align pulleys, replace faulty components, and ensure proper belt installation This essential component drives multiple engine accessories and is crucial for proper car function. Jul 21, 2025 · If you’ve noticed unusual noises, warning lights, or other strange behaviors from your vehicle, a faulty tensioner might be to blame. Check valve cover gasket, spark plugs and spark plug wells, for evidence of a valve cover gasket leak. Seems to be leaking. If you have a minor leak Went for the 70,000 km service to the dealership and they told me. You may Jun 8, 2022 · I took my car in for a check up and discovered that there is an oil leak with the timing chain tensioner/timing cover gasket. This bolt must have its threads sealed before installation. In my case there was a notable ticking sound under some conditions. And it had a lot more fluid leakage on and around it than yours has. Here are signs to look for and how much it'll cost to fix. We learn the different types, causes and symptoms they produce when break. " At some point the timing chain tensioner will leak oil out of the timing cover. If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. Feb 28, 2009 · I suspect that you are experiencing the same thing. Feb 20, 2010 · Common problem? - oil leak - crank seal & timing chain tensioner 2005 corolla le automatic i just took my car to a shop to get the brakes done and they noticed an oil leak at the crank seal and at the timing chain tensioner. Jan 13, 2022 · Do you know the various bad timing chain tensioner symptoms? A failing timing chain tensioner can leak oil pressure and cause… So brought my cx5 to the dealer for oil change and they noticed the belt tensioner leaking? This is the second ‘leak’ I’ve had under 34k miles 2018 model year. I finally got this 93 B13 SE-R running after Apr 12, 2025 · The serpentine belt tensioner is bone dry. 2) Aux belt tensioner has leaked damping fluid and tensioner will need replaced Timing Cover Leak Repair Cost* The cost of repairing a front engine cover leak will normally depend on how much work it costs to pull the cover out of the engine. Maybe I didn’t tighten it enough? Could this be an issue with the pump itself, or maybe a seal where the pulley is inserted?. The car will not be able to be fixed in time for when I need to leave if I’m going to drive. It is engine oil and not power steering oil or the serpentine belt tensioner that is leaking. mazda cx-5 2014 Answered by Mechanic01 in 1 min 5 years ago May 31, 2015 · The tensioner is spring loaded. I also touch on the location, function, and replacement cost of the tensioner pulley. I just want to warn everyone here to inspect your belt tensioner regularly as it can leak and costs >$100. Aug 27, 2013 · Let me walk you through how I diagnose a failing serpentine drive belt tensioner, what belt tensioner symptoms you should watch for, and how to test it using a belt tensioner tool. Sep 26, 2025 · If your timing belt tensioner goes bad, your timing belt will likely follow. Symptoms of a bad drive belt tensioner that you may experience are excessive tensioner movement, worn drive belt, squealing noise, and oil leaking from the hydraulic tensioner. The oil leak on belt tensioner is very common for Mazda CX-5 too. Finally, if there is a crack in the timing chain covering itself or in any of its gaskets or seals, this can also lead to oil leakage. The type of car you drive and the professional who handles the replacement will determine the cost of the tension. But at 149k the belt tensioner sprung a leak and had to be replaced. by chance I open the hood after around 1 year and saw there is still oil leak from the same spot. May 27, 2025 · A worn-out automatic belt tensioner is a common cause of misalignment that causes drive belt shredding and drive belt breakage. Aug 15, 2024 · A timing belt tensioner should last the lifetime of your vehicle. Nov 21, 2024 · A serpentine belt that keeps coming off is often caused by misaligned or damaged pulleys, a failing tensioner, or a worn-out belt. Feb 8, 2024 · The tensioner contains a spring and hydraulic fluid to absorb tensioner movement similar to shock absorber in the suspension. 6 months later it is leaking coolant around the elbow seal in the manifold side. But when worn out or faulty, Can a Bad Tensioner Cause Loss of Power? and other drivability issues. And it still streams oil. Get a rag and some kerosene to clean it, then wipe it all dry, and sprinkle some talcum or Sep 25, 2019 · Volkswagen Tiguan owners have reported 59 problems related to timing tensioner (under the engine and engine cooling category). Nov 17, 2018 · What are the signs of a bad serpentine belt? What happens if a serpentine belt breaks? What are the common problems that can cause a serpentine belt to squeal, come off or shred? When should the belt be replaced? Feb 23, 2015 · Repairing the leak involves replacing the failed O-ring that seals the timing chain tensioner. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I need to do in order to, #1 check to make sure it's actually leaking (what is it that it would even leak? Nov 22, 2024 · First post here-whoo. Jun 30, 2019 · Know the key signs of a failing drive belt tensioner, including noise issues and wear indicators. Bad idea? Jan 19, 2024 · The timing belt tensioner secures the timing belt and keeps it tensioned. Based on what I’m reading, this is a common issue with CX-5s, although it seems like it usually comes up at a later mileage. Apr 30, 2025 · By continuously and automatically keeping belt tension at an optimal, predetermined level, the automatic tensioner eliminates noise, regular belt adjustment and over or under tightening of the belt, as well as reduces the harsh effects on accessories from acceleration and deceleration forces. I’ve got limited experience with removing and replacing these ( while the engine was out of the car) how difficult is it to replace with the engine in the car? I’ve been taking it in for regular service at the dealership; today I was told my belt tensioner is leaking, and was given a quote of $691 for the repair. Oil or coolant leaks may also contribute to belt slippage. Mar 18, 2024 · The tensioner and timing chain are both affected by this. Common symptoms of a faulty timing cover or timing cover gasket include oil visibly leaking from the timing cover area and low oil levels. There is a link between serpentine belt failure and coolant leaks, as a broken belt can lead to radiator malfunctions and subsequent coolant leaks. Do the tensioners go out so early? Would they be Jan 7, 2016 · 1. It has now progressed to the point of leaving tiny, tiny pools of oil wherever I park for hours on end. All the oil is dripping from below the timing chain tensioner down the back of the engine and also onto the power steering pump. May 6, 2019 · The leak may not be bad enough to leak oil on the floor yet. Here are common signs of a timing cover leak and the cost to fix it. So, since it was the easy thing Mar 26, 2007 · :confused: Has anyone ever had the timing chain tensioner leak oil? Do these go bad? I have tried sealant, new bolts, retightening, etc. But if the leak gets large enough to where the tensioner no longer applies the proper pressure to the timing chain tensioner guide, it can cause the timing chain to jump teeth on the timing gears. I would get a new gasket Jun 4, 2023 · So, I took our 19 with 83k miles to a dealer to get the recalls done, (the first warranty/recall visit for this vehicle). However, just like any mechanical part, these can fail. Not possible to drive Feb 10, 2022 · Recognize the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt tensioner. The spring will push it back out. When that happens, it is imperative that you have this problem fixed immediately because it can lead to some severe problems with your car’s engine. This installation also included a new manifold. There are hydraulic and mechanical timing belt tensioners. uazhhcvylf2qid6lpyyykwvosbraxvvmdc7tntkynxfoo