Idler pully wobbling slightly and ****eyed

[eric mentzer]

Greetings, 1996 4.0 explorer 87k miles. Was looking at vacuum components under the hood as i still have an occaisional start that hits 500 rpm and dies. I was looking at my idler pulley and saw it was jerking back and forth lightly. The metal part that pivots when you release tension looks askew. One side is about 1/16" off the mount and the other side is at least a 1/4" off and looks half crooked. Is this an issue that needs adressed? I used it the other week to replace a wobbly idler pulley ( which was right hand threads, despite much conflicting information on the source). Thanks for your time.

 

[SouthernJames]

Your belt tensioner is nearing the end of its lifespan, therefore I suggest replace your belt tensioner, and your Serpentine Belt while you are at it

Good Luck

 

[koda2000]

I think you're referring to the tensioner pulley. The bearing is probably worn out. That's why it's ****ed and wobbling. You should probably replace the entire tensioner w/pulley. For that matter, unless you've already replaced them, also replace the idler pulleys, as they're most likely also worn. As suggested, this is a good time to replace the serpentine belt too. While the belt is off spin your A/C pulley and check for wobble, noise or dry feeling in the bearing. No point in replacing only one worn bearing. I recently had to replace all the pulleys, A/C clutch and even the W/P on a 2000 5.0L Mountaineer with around 170,000. All the bearings were worn out.

 

[swshawaii]

+3. Definitely a belt tensioner issue from your "jerking" and "wobbly" pulley description. Replace the complete tensioner since the spring is weak or broken, and the pulley bearings are shot. Glad you caught it before it completely failed and caused fan and/or radiator damage. IIRC, the Gates replacement I installed was identical to the OE part. As koda2000 said. replace the idler pulley too.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...0l+v6,1119653,belt+drive,belt+tensioner,11659
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1996,explorer,4.0l+v6,1119653,belt+drive,idler+pulley,6956

After installation, check the tensioner marks.
Drive belt tensioner noise

 

[koda2000]

Note: Even with a new tensioner and serpentine belt it's normal for the tensioner to bounce around a little when the engine is running. It's okay as long as the index marks stay in about the center of the tensioner's range.