Belt tensioner pulley fell apart

[WECALLHERDORA]

If its not one thing, its another. i was having trouble getting my truck started and after determining a battery cable problem i got the thing started but then discovered that serpentine belt had stopped moving and was running strictly running on battery power. Not Good! So I got to looking around and discovered that the Tensioner pulley was not attached to anything! just laying there. I was able to reach up under the truck and grab it. So I have the plastic piece the metal piece and the spring. I believe there is one more piece that is still attached. this would be the other half of the metal piece that hold the spring inside. What Would cause this to happen? It didnt do it driving down the road just parked in driveway. I am trying to bulid up enough confidence to change this myself as I am a Newbie to car repair. also no noise coming from pulley spins freely. Do I need a new one ? or just put this one back together?

 

[MyRanger4x]

We had that happen on our 1998 Explorer. Started it up one morning and heard a loud noise (assume that is when the pulley broke loose). When I looked under the truck the pulley was sitting on the ground...at least part of it was. Do not know why it happened, though.

 

[aldive]

Replacing it is a very simple job; you can definately do it.

I would by all means, replace with a new one.

Good luck ....

 

[pkelly]

At least yours went in the driveway. Mine went while driving 60-Mph. Heard a loud "clank" and then lost power steering, battery charge light came on, and engine temp went up. Not hard to install. Two mounting bolts and you are done, should take you 20-minutes or so.

 

[WECALLHERDORA]

Just a follow up. I was able to get this on very easy. it took about ahalf an hour. Not bad for a dumb Girl!! Thanks for all info. This place is great!!