In your Land Rover, and any vehicle you own, it is important to understand the many different systems and their basic functions. You do not need to be an expert, but since you drive a car, it makes sense that you would at least understand how some of the systems work and why.

A better understanding of your vehicle will help you take better care of it and know what to do when a system begins to fail. While the Land Rover is a car that is built to last, customers have been known to report issues with the idler pulley. Though it is not a tough part to replace, if left unattended it could cause issues with your car’s operation and performance.

What is the Idler Pulley?

Your car has a drive belt that helps to power various components of your engine. It is a series of belts that wraps around parts and move. It is important that these belts are placed in the correct spot and orientation, as to not hit the other parts in the car. The drive belt helps in the proper function of the power steering and helps your alternator to work. The idler pulley is what helps the belts to not come in contact with the other belts or parts.

The crankshaft pulley is what helps to keep all of the belts functioning properly. The crankshaft pulley spins to provide the power to the other systems. The belts need tension in order to not slip, so they are wrapped incredibly tightly around the various pulleys and the crankshaft. The idler pulley is what the manufacturers use to help route the belts properly. If the idler pulley starts to malfunction it can cause problems to the other systems in the car that rely on it. Luckily, there are symptoms that will present themselves when the idler pulley starts to fail.

What are the Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Idler Pulley?

When dealing with a failing idler pulley system in your car there are some symptoms you will begin to notice. You may start to notice a chirping sound that is coming from the front end of your vehicle. This is likely being produced by the idler pulley since it is not properly functioning. If it is not functioning properly, this means that it will not rotate correctly and will cause metal to grind against different parts since the pulley is moving at such a high speed. If not addressed quickly the idler pulley could shift and cause a drive belt to fail. If this happens, you will not be able to use the part and will have to replace it.

It is important to note that if your car’s idler pulley has shifted at all you should not do any more driving until it gets fixed. That includes driving small distances. Since the idler pulley system affects many different components on your car you will not know the system that it will affect. It could be a less dangerous system like the AC, or it could be the belt that is for the engine cooling system. If that is the case, you engine might overheat which would cause major damage to your car.

What to do When the Idler Pulley Fails?

The best solution for you is to stop driving your car and to get your vehicle towed to a mechanic. Make sure to visit a trusted mechanic who is familiar with working on your vehicle’s make. The mechanic will be able to inspect your car and let you know which belt has been shifted and what will need to be done in order to repair it. Again, it is important to address this issue quickly so as to not make the problem worse.

How We Can Help

At Glenwood Foreign Car we can help you deal with any issues you may be experiencing with your vehicle. Convenient to residents of Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA, our technicians are expertly trained and will be able to help you identify the issue and determine the best course of action to fix it. If you would like to learn more about the services we offer or would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call our office where a representative will be able to assist you.

* Land Rover Car image credit goes to: kurmyshov.

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What’s not to like about a Land Rover? They’re elegant, prominent, off-road vehicles that are graced with sophistication, but are also trustworthy, reliable, and powerful. Land Rover owners know just how good it feels to be behind their wheel. Despite their incredible consistency and durability, Land Rovers still experience their fair share of issues, much like any other vehicle on the road today. Drive belt failure is one of the more documented issues that Land Rovers tend to encounter, which is why it is important to inform Land Rover drivers of what to expect in the case of drive belt failure. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know if you are concerned about your Land Rover’s drive belt failing.

What Determines When Your Drive Belt Will Fail?

Drive belt failure is a common issue that Land Rover drivers tend to experience prematurely. There is a lot that can affect how quickly your drive belt wears out, including:

• Individual driving styles
• The terrain you typically drive on
• The weather and climate where you reside
• The consistency of automotive care
• The quality of replacement parts used in the past
• The car’s mileage
• Unique driving conditions, such as commonly condensed traffic

…just to name a few. Though Land Rovers are built to be tough and reliable, they are manufactured with a specific design, and like many other cars it’s common for there to be design flaws embedded in each individual vehicle, as well as amongst the brand or model as a whole.

The Importance of the Accessory Drive Belt

Your Land Rover’s drive belt, or accessory drive belt is an essential element that plays a huge role in how well your car performs on a daily basis, or whether it performs at all. The accessory drive belt is attached to other parts, such as the belt tensioner and which help create and sustain power for the engine to run as it rotates quickly.

The essential function of the accessory belt is what propels your engine, and if it begins to malfunction, wear, or fail all together, it can cause damage to your engine or can even lead to total engine failure. That is precisely why Land Rover owners must stay on top of routine maintenance and inspections, in an effort to prevent premature accessory drive belt failure.

Signs, Symptoms, and Things to Watch Out For

In order to ensure your drive belt doesn’t snap and cause severe engine issues, and therefore more expensive repairs, it’s important for you to be aware and remain vigilant of any concerning noises, behaviors, or symptoms that your Land Rover exhibits relating to drive belt failure. It is also important to keep in mind that these symptoms can often be related to another performance issue or part failure, so be sure to follow up with a Land Rover specialist right away. Here are a few symptoms that may be associated with premature drive belt failure:

Entering Limp Mode

Like most modern vehicles, Land Rovers are designed to first and foremost protect their passengers. If your car detects that the drive belt is too worn, is misaligned, or has failed all together, the car may enter what is called limp mode, where the engine shuts itself down. This is a protective measure to keep from damaging the engine and putting the passengers at risk.

Excessive Engine Heat

Engine overheating is one of the more common symptoms related to drive belt failure. Usually higher-than-normal engine temperatures mean that there is an issue with your car’s cooling system; a system which derives its power from the action of the drive belt. If the drive belt isn’t performing properly or is misaligned, the engine may overheat.

Whining Sounds

Another way to detect drive belt issues is by listening in. If your engine begins making odd noises or doesn’t sound quite right, the problem could very well be due to a misaligned or damaged drive belt. If you hear any odd or concerning sounds, it’s best to bring your car in for an inspection; it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

At Glenwood Foreign Car, Land Rovers are our specialty. We take pride in our work with Land Rovers because it’s a brand we respect. For years the residents of Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA, have trusted us with some of their most prized and treasured vehicles, and it is our mission to ensure their safety and satisfaction. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or learn more about our shop, please feel free to get in touch with us directly.

* Land Rover Discovery 4 image credit goes to: teddyleung.

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