Tensioners, Idlers and Dampers

How Do They Work And What Makes Them So Important?

Tensioners, idlers and dampers work together to synchronize the timing belt’s rotations in your engine. While tensioners prevent slackness in the timing belt, idlers route the timing belt around ancillary features, and dampers work with the idlers to prevent the timing belt from coming loose.

What Are Tensioners?

Tensioners apply the correct amount of tension to the timing belt to ensure a synchronous drive. They play a vital role in the engine: if the tensioners fail, the engine can fail too.

Tensioners allow the timing belt to move smoothly through the engine, powering various components. Depending on your model, your timing belt may power your alternator, power-steering pump, water pump and/or air-conditioning compressor. Tensioners are made up of four parts:

  • The spring, which provides the tension for the timing belt.
  • The tensioner arm, which works the spring.
  • The pulley, which allows the timing belt to move.
  • The base, which holds the other three parts.

Some tensioners automatically adjust, but some can be adjusted manually. Automatic timing belt tensioners are standard in most modern models.


What Are Idlers?

Idlers are pulley components (called sheaves) or grooved wheels that guide the timing belt around the engine. They direct applied force from the tensioners in a rotational system of motion. Idlers regulate the timing belt so that it can rotate smoothly.

Like tensioners, if an idler pulley fails, your car won’t operate. Idlers begin to slip as a result of wear and tear and should be serviced often to monitor condition.

What Are Dampers?

Dampers, also known as shock absorbers, dissipate energy stored in the suspension system’s springs when you drive over bumps in the road. Dampers control unwanted spring motion and reduce vibrations through the dampening process. If your dampers are worn, they’ll struggle to slow down these vibrations and can lead to engine damage. Make sure you replace yours before they cause problems.

A damper is a piston that moves up and down inside a sealed, oil-filled cylinder. The piston moves in time with the up-and-down movement of the wheel. One-way valves inside each damper allow oil to flow slowly from one chamber to another. Some cars use dampers that contain both oil and gas. These dampers are more efficient than oil-filled dampers.


If your tensioners, idlers or dampers become loose or fail, they can cause serious damage to your car. That’s why it’s important to self-service these engine components in regular self-services.

Source: DIY Car/ Jones Offei

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