Help With Accessory Drive Belt System
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 7
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Help With Accessory Drive Belt System
I apparently have a drive belt pully that has a bad bearing. Started car tonight and have very loud "clacking" noise at front of engine. Friend with mechanics stethoscope says noise is in the small idler pulley located at the front center of engine. More specifically--facing the engine with alternator on the right, the drive belt is routed under a larger pulley then over the idler in question. Looks like there is a single bolt through the pulley and into a casting. Pulley is turning OK and quiet at idle but very noisy at higher rpms.
Any opinion if it is OK to drive the car to a shop or will I need a tow?
If anyone has replaced this part, is there enough clearance to remove the bolt and pulley without disassembling the front of the engine compartment? Looks tight but there is 2 or 3 inches to back the bolt out. What's the repair cost on something like this?
If there is a parts catalog out there could I get some assist with that so I can order replacement? 1999 C5 coupe.
As always, thanks for the terrific help and feedback.
Any opinion if it is OK to drive the car to a shop or will I need a tow?
If anyone has replaced this part, is there enough clearance to remove the bolt and pulley without disassembling the front of the engine compartment? Looks tight but there is 2 or 3 inches to back the bolt out. What's the repair cost on something like this?
If there is a parts catalog out there could I get some assist with that so I can order replacement? 1999 C5 coupe.
As always, thanks for the terrific help and feedback.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Should be fine to drive to the mechanics. Just keep in mind if you wind up throwing the belt on the main drive pulley that also drives your water pump, so the car will overheat in no time. I had that happen at the drag strip. 
Not trying to scare you as I don't think I've heard of a idler pulley failing that severely but its within the realm of possibility.
Not trying to scare you as I don't think I've heard of a idler pulley failing that severely but its within the realm of possibility.
