Top idler pulley bracket broke.

[kc8jvh]

The top idler pulley bearing froze up and the bolt worked its self out and stripped the aluminum threads out of the bracket. Anyone ever had this problem? I guess I will need to replace the bracket but don't see them on the online stores..Would FOMOCO carry these instock? I see the idler pulleys are about $18. It's a 5.0 1997 I was also wondering if I could drill the hole out and replace it with another shoulder bolt with a lock nut on the back side..any thoughts?

 

[dogfriend]

I bought a replacement belt tensioner assembly from Napa when mine self-destructed a couple of years ago. About $45 or $50 if I remember correctly.

 

[96eb96]

The top idler pulley bearing froze up and the bolt worked its self out and stripped the aluminum threads out of the bracket. Anyone ever had this problem? I guess I will need to replace the bracket but don't see them on the online stores..Would FOMOCO carry these instock? I see the idler pulleys are about $18. It's a 5.0 1997 I was also wondering if I could drill the hole out and replace it with another shoulder bolt with a lock nut on the back side..any thoughts?

Very common to fail unexpectedly. I urge anyone reading this to change theirs tomorrow. They usually dont strip the bolt though.

You can ask ford parts to see if they have a replacement. Doubt that would be aftermarket.

 

[kc8jvh]

Found them, thanks!

Now that I know they are sold as a "tensioner assy" they seem popular, most range from $40 to $65. Thanks for the heads up on that...and just like mentioned above...once the noise starts..you don't have very long until they explode! I had to cut the belt just to get it unwrapped from everything under the hood. I was just glad it happened in the garage warming up and not on the highway. Thanks Again everyone!

 

[marragtop]

Your original post says 'idler pulley', and most of the replies are related to the tensioner. I think the tensioner does come with the bracket, but the idler does not. Just be aware that they are 2 different things.

 

[kc8jvh]

Yes they are...as I just found out.

It is the idler pulley that I'm looking for, and I bought the tensioner pully with bracket and that was not the correct one. So yes, the idler pulley is what I was looking for. I cleaned all of the busted alum threads out of the origianal bolt and I think I'll be able to save the big bracket. The bolt threaded in as far and the good threads would allow me so now I'm stopping at Ford tomorrow and get the idler pully. The local auto parts store has a dayco idler pulley that only has the lip on one side of the smooth suface and my original has a lip on both inside and out. I didn't feel comfortable buying the one lip version, I hope Ford has the bolt as well, that's more of a concern to me right now. So still the same, when the idler pulley lets go..it's a mess!

 

[kc8jvh]

follow up

The new idler pulley from ford is part number #6L2Z-6C348-A ...it looks exactly like the tensioner pulley and comes complete with bolt..whew...hardest thing about that project was putting on a new belt!!! that's almost a two person job...a double offset boxed wrench (15 mm) would be very helpfull in that situation. Also, if anyone want/needs to know, the bolt threads for the top idler pulley is a 10mm-1.5 pitch.

 

[dogfriend]

.a double offset boxed wrench (15 mm) would be very helpfull in that situation.

I have seen a special wrench made specifically for installing/ removing the serpentine belt. I think its made by KD tools. I was able to change mine using a normal 3/8 drive breaker bar and socket.