Idler pulley replacement - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

97AWDEXPLODER · 05-17-2007, 04:45 PM

I have a 97 Ford explorer and I have found the most time effective and best way to replace the upper idler pulley is to 1st take off the serpentine belt with a 15MM ratchet, ( for 5.0L models especially) assuming you have the same metal cooling fan I do bend the corner of the cooling fan blade closest to the pulley twords the radiator then there should be enough clearance to get the bolt and pulley assembly out of the engine compartment without having to break loose the bolts holding the cooling fan on. Apply some red loctite to the bolt reinstall the new idler pulley (approx. $18 at Murray's) take care to take the old washer off the old pulley and reinstall it to the new one!!! bend the corner of the fan blade back to true and re-tension the belt.
DONE wasnt that much easier than taking off the fan and shroud? Enjoy the time you saved!

**BrooklynBay** · 05-17-2007, 10:45 PM

Welcome to this forum! It's nice to see a helpful first post.

*trucku* · 05-18-2007, 12:18 AM

Welcome

**Dopler174** · 05-18-2007, 02:31 AM

Welcome to the site! help post are allways a good start!

05-17-2007, 04:45 PM	#1
97AWDEXPLODER Wannabe Elite Explorer Palatine,IL 97' XLT Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 8 Vehicle Specs	Idler pulley replacement I have a 97 Ford explorer and I have found the most time effective and best way to replace the upper idler pulley is to 1st take off the serpentine belt with a 15MM ratchet, ( for 5.0L models especially) assuming you have the same metal cooling fan I do bend the corner of the cooling fan blade closest to the pulley twords the radiator then there should be enough clearance to get the bolt and pulley assembly out of the engine compartment without having to break loose the bolts holding the cooling fan on. Apply some red loctite to the bolt reinstall the new idler pulley (approx. $18 at Murray's) take care to take the old washer off the old pulley and reinstall it to the new one!!! bend the corner of the fan blade back to true and re-tension the belt. DONE wasnt that much easier than taking off the fan and shroud? Enjoy the time you saved! __________________ *Kyle Ruffner*

05-17-2007, 10:45 PM	#2
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 31,033 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to this forum! It's nice to see a helpful first post. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum.

05-18-2007, 12:18 AM	#3
trucku Elite Explorer Queens, New York 2002 Explorer XLS 4.0 4x4 Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,969 Vehicle Specs	Welcome __________________ 2002 XLS 4.0 SOHC 4x4. Frantz Bypass filter, Mobil 1 5W30.Perma-cool dual remote (2 full flow PureOne PL30001). Perma-cool remote transmission filter (Pure One PL30001). Scanguage II, Sunpro Oil Pressure Guage Gen 4 mirrors "The More Complex The Mind, The Greater The Need For The Simplicity Of Play"

05-18-2007, 02:31 AM	#4
Dopler174 Official Welcome Committe Greensboro, NC 1993 XLT 4X4 Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 5,117 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to the site! help post are allways a good start! __________________ -Scott Support Your Local Forum My Space ZAPV-174