how to change the idler pulley?

[WannaXP8]

How hard is it to change the idler pulley, I think after a trip through a deep creek they bearings are shot in it, cause its like got a sqeaking, howling, sound coming from it, I think, I hope its not the altenator..

Chris

 

[410Fortune]

Chris,

WHat do you mean how hard is it. It is simple given you have the right tools (a 1/2" drive and sockets)

AutoZone has the pulley in stock usually for about $15.
Basically you put the 1/2" drive on the pulley and loosen the tension on the belt, let the belt hang. then it is a matter of 3 bolts if I remember right to get the pulley mount off. put the new pulley on, re-mount done.
If you can change a belt you can change the pulley.

Also the tensioner pulley and idler pulley are the same part and usually go out at about the same time (at least on the OHV 4.0L they are, never done the 5.0L or SOHC) but I assume they are similar.

 

[WannaXP8]

So you have to change the whole arm and everything, you cant just change the pulley?

 

[rydinhigh]

Yes you have to change the whole arm. Its very cheap and easy to do. Took me about 20 mins the first time I did it.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Same thing happened to my v8 last time i went offroad:

Pics and such are at the bottom of page 2:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73405&pagenumber=2

The lower one was the worst offender on mine, but the upper was going. I put in a new tensioner, but it didn't need replacement, yet.

The upper and lower idlers are different.

 

[WannaXP8]

but the problem Im having is really finding where the noise is coming from I dont know if its coming from the altenator, or the pulley, or the ac compresser?? how in the world can i tell??

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Hard to say, but you can take the belt off and start the engine to make sure it is from the accessory drive.

One day to tell is by putting a long metal rod, like a screwdriver to you ear and then to the suspect part. Listen for a difference.