The idler pulley is a component of the engine's serpentine belt system which consists of a belt that loops around several pulleys, including the idler pulley, to drive various accessories such as the water pump, power steering pump, and alternator.
- A faulty idler pulley can affect the efficiency of the serpentine belt system, leading to increased fuel consumption.
- Specifically, a worn or misaligned idler pulley can cause the belt to slip or move inefficiently, resulting in increased engine load and reduced power transmission to the accessories.
This decreased efficiency requires the engine to work harder and consume more fuel to maintain the same level of performance, thereby affecting gas mileage.
