Tensioner Pulley Bolt Missing

[kodiaksean]

Someone replaced my belt tensioner pulley for me a few weeks ago. Today, I go to replace the idler pulley because of a loud squeaking/squealing noise. So I look down and there is no bolt, which means no way to relieve tension. How the hell has my tensioner pulley not fallen off? It's crooked as hell. I'm not very car saavy, and I am extremely irrate that this bolt is gone, since now I have to go find one before I do anything else.

Anyone have any idea what the hell happened? I am so damn lost I don't know where to begin.

 

[drdoom]

I don't know how it is on the V8 but on the V6 you use a 3/8" ratchet or breaker to relieve tension... Funny story many years ago when you first started seeing serpentines, I was sent out on a service call, and struggled with the tensioner, not yet knowing about the 3/8" hole! Live and learn.

 

[kodiaksean]

It might be possible to remove the idler pulley for slack, but it's kind of irrelevant, because I'm going to need to tension it back up with something, I'm just going to the junkyard tomorrow and getting the bolt. I'm just trying to figure out how in the hell it was possible for that bolt to fall out when I had tension on my belt. And I'm surprised the pulley didn't just fall off. Oh well, thanks for the help guys.

 

[1khud]

It might be possible to remove the idler pulley for slack, but it's kind of irrelevant, because I'm going to need to tension it back up with something, I'm just going to the junkyard tomorrow and getting the bolt. I'm just trying to figure out how in the hell it was possible for that bolt to fall out when I had tension on my belt. And I'm surprised the pulley didn't just fall off. Oh well, thanks for the help guys.

I just had my S belt and idler pulley fall off my 1995 Ford Explorer XLT last night in 27* weather with 2 miles on a snowy windy road with no wipers. The pulley was laying in the engine and the belt is fine. The bolt is gone. Took pulley down to parts store they showed me 3 that were smooth but the inner diameter was smaller. They gave me a song and a dance I took it home and AS EXPECTED it does not fit. Where other than a salvage yard can I get this part. If I have been reading correctly it does have to come from the dealer with the bolt?

 

[EB4X]

N605935-S2 - Bolt Ford Parts Center

Save Money On Your OEM Bolt - n605935s2 - For Your

www.oemford.parts

 

[1khud]

N605935-S2 - Bolt Ford Parts Center

Save Money On Your OEM Bolt - n605935s2 - For Your

www.oemford.parts

Thank you. I've been going to a junk yard and getting parts off a 96 Explorer XLT. Now I can't drive at all. Do you know if I can buy the pulley and the bolt together? The pulley the auto parts store sold me will not fit. The inner diameter is too small for fitment even if I had the bolt and the outer diameter is several mm smaller also. Thanks for the info. I was told these 95s are something else when it comes to parts. I cant tell you how many times I've bought parts only to take them back because they are NOT an exact fit like they claim.

 

[EB4X]

Thank you. I've been going to a junk yard and getting parts off a 96 Explorer XLT. Now I can't drive at all. Do you know if I can buy the pulley and the bolt together? The pulley the auto parts store sold me will not fit. The inner diameter is too small for fitment even if I had the bolt and the outer diameter is several mm smaller also. Thanks for the info. I was told these 95s are something else when it comes to parts. I cant tell you how many times I've bought parts only to take them back because they are NOT an exact fit like they claim.

So although your pulley stayed in engine compartment it got thrashed around so that you don't want to re-use...is this correct?
I'm guessing due to location your J.Y.'s are snowed out hence not wanting to deal with that... yes?
I have a local Ford-only place nearby that has parts already pulled...cost a little bit more -- will call them in morning for availability of pulley with bolt and post back / and or message you. I hear you 100% on our '95 parts ...returned several parts that claimed to work on '95 but don't -- on this note see if there is a part number anywhere on your pulley and post it.

 

[1khud]

So although your pulley stayed in engine compartment it got thrashed around so that you don't want to re-use...is this correct?
I'm guessing due to location your J.Y.'s are snowed out hence not wanting to deal with that... yes?
I have a local Ford-only place nearby that has parts already pulled...cost a little bit more -- will call them in morning for availability of pulley with bolt and post back / and or message you. I hear you 100% on our '95 parts ...returned several parts that claimed to work on '95 but don't -- on this note see if there is a part number anywhere on your pulley and post it.

Wow yeah, Thank you. I would use the pulley if I could. The bearing is gone from the center. It jerked hard. I held on. It happened in a chevy van I had once. I have it I can send a pic. I will grab it and clean it up and look for a part number. I don't mind the price as long as it's right. Well, the bearing came out of the center the two top caps over that? Not sure I'm not a mechanic but it was shattered, The bearing and the bolt are gone. Maybe I'm assuming there's a bearing in there in the center but mine is gone with the bolt and parts stores RARELY sell the hardware with the parts like the bolt.. So Im very happy I recently found a 96 about 25 miles from me out on rte 310 lol.Even for small things like door handle screws. the 3rd brake light. Possibly a GEM module I pray not though! It's a nice find and an XLT like mine. I never thought being a 50 something-year-old female I would get excited about going to a salvage yard. I only have another 5 wks to get a bunch of stuff done before I need to inspect it in NY State. I have a 60 day In -Transit Plate /registration while I am temporary in PA and bought the Explorer and I have insurance I just want to make my appt get there and come back in under 24 hrs so I don't have to self-quarantine. Its all technical but March 5th it all has to be done. I have the money just nobody wants to do it or not in a hurry to do it. And everyone thinks they are a mechanic when you talk about it. That's why I like these sites! Thank you very much!

 

[EB4X]

This one is listed by "authorized Ford reseller" as working on our 95's--and whole assembly--pulley and bolt... odd thing is it's listed as working all the way up to 2011 Rangers... could be...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-...0001&campid=5574912417&icep_item=324345047882

 

[1khud]

I just had my S belt and idler pulley fall off my 1995 Ford Explorer XLT last night in 27* weather with 2 miles on a snowy windy road with no wipers. The pulley was laying in the engine and the belt is fine. The bolt is gone. Took pulley down to parts store they showed me 3 that were smooth but the inner diameter was smaller. They gave me a song and a dance I took it home and AS EXPECTED it does not fit. Where other than a salvage yard can I get this part. If I have been reading correctly it does have to come from the dealer with the bolt?

Well I'm about ready to get rid of this and it isn't even on the road legally yet. The guy I bought from had the wrong pulley on it and had the air breather assembly up over holding that on. I've had no power to wiper relays there are wires are cut all over the place. Beautiful Body and frame but I've just been nickelled and diming myself to death.

 

[1khud]

This one is listed by "authorized Ford reseller" as working on our 95's--and whole assembly--pulley and bolt... odd thing is it's listed as working all the way up to 2011 Rangers... could be...
FORD OEM-Serpentine Drive Belt Idler Pulley 6L2Z6C348A | eBay

Well I had someone come over with the pulley and bolt this am that came from a Mustang I believe. He said they are very interchangeable with other years and makes. Thank you for looking that up but it's fixed now.

 

[EB4X]

Glad to hear it.