Idler Pulley Replace
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Grand Island, Florida
Idler Pulley Replace
I have that dreaded noise coming from the area of the drive belt idler pulley. Can these be serviced or do they have to be replaced? Also, can I purchase them from an auto supply store or do I have to get a GM part? How much do they usually cost and is the job as straightforward as it appears?
Thanks for answering my questions.
Bronk
Thanks for answering my questions.
Bronk
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Gone
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St. Jude Donor '03
On the accessory belt system, there is a (smooth) idler pulley on the left side of the engine down near the steering pump pulley.
There is also the tensioner, which has a ribbed idler pulley on it, located towards the top of the engine on the right (pass,) side.
The short a/c belt also has it's own tensioner and an idler pulleys, so make sure you isolate which one may the problem before running out and buying the parts.
Typically when the pulley bearing goes bad, you just replace the pulley. The tensioner pulley can be replaced without having to buy a whole new tensioner (seems not many know this and replace the whole tensioner, which runs about $70).
Replacement of either pulley is as easy as it looks. Remove the belt, then loosen the 15mm head bolt retaining the pulley, and it will come right off. Pay attention to any washers that come off with it...you may need to reuse them when installing the new pulley.
Auto parts stores should stock both the idler and tensioner pulleys...the replacements are typically less than $20.
There is also the tensioner, which has a ribbed idler pulley on it, located towards the top of the engine on the right (pass,) side.
The short a/c belt also has it's own tensioner and an idler pulleys, so make sure you isolate which one may the problem before running out and buying the parts.
Typically when the pulley bearing goes bad, you just replace the pulley. The tensioner pulley can be replaced without having to buy a whole new tensioner (seems not many know this and replace the whole tensioner, which runs about $70).
Replacement of either pulley is as easy as it looks. Remove the belt, then loosen the 15mm head bolt retaining the pulley, and it will come right off. Pay attention to any washers that come off with it...you may need to reuse them when installing the new pulley.
Auto parts stores should stock both the idler and tensioner pulleys...the replacements are typically less than $20.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,045
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From: Montreal ** Enjoy the ride !!
First ,, how sure are you that it is 'that' pully making the noise ?? I had three of them replaced so far plus a new belt and it still makes noise. When I take my car out from storage in the spring I will take it back and see what else they can change.. It's not cheep. it could nun u a few hundred dollars. If you are handy you could do it yourself.. but i would rather stick to a pro.. good luck with it and keep us posted if/when u find the squeek..
PS,, can't fix it have to replace it.
PS,, can't fix it have to replace it.
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On the accessory belt system, there is a (smooth) idler pulley on the left side of the engine down near the steering pump pulley.
There is also the tensioner, which has a ribbed idler pulley on it, located towards the top of the engine on the right (pass,) side.
The short a/c belt also has it's own tensioner and an idler pulleys, so make sure you isolate which one may the problem before running out and buying the parts.
Typically when the pulley bearing goes bad, you just replace the pulley. The tensioner pulley can be replaced without having to buy a whole new tensioner (seems not many know this and replace the whole tensioner, which runs about $70).
Replacement of either pulley is as easy as it looks. Remove the belt, then loosen the 15mm head bolt retaining the pulley, and it will come right off. Pay attention to any washers that come off with it...you may need to reuse them when installing the new pulley.
Auto parts stores should stock both the idler and tensioner pulleys...the replacements are typically less than $20.
There is also the tensioner, which has a ribbed idler pulley on it, located towards the top of the engine on the right (pass,) side.
The short a/c belt also has it's own tensioner and an idler pulleys, so make sure you isolate which one may the problem before running out and buying the parts.
Typically when the pulley bearing goes bad, you just replace the pulley. The tensioner pulley can be replaced without having to buy a whole new tensioner (seems not many know this and replace the whole tensioner, which runs about $70).
Replacement of either pulley is as easy as it looks. Remove the belt, then loosen the 15mm head bolt retaining the pulley, and it will come right off. Pay attention to any washers that come off with it...you may need to reuse them when installing the new pulley.
Auto parts stores should stock both the idler and tensioner pulleys...the replacements are typically less than $20.
Make sure you know exactly which one it is. If it is the tension pulley it is easy to replace. The others should be just as simple, but don't look to be as accessable. Unfortunately, they all seem to be cheaply made, as I put my third one (tensioner) on since August two days ago. The bearings go out pretty easy I guess, and I cannot stand that annoying squeak, so it's worth the $15 to me.
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