1998 Belt Slides off idler pulley
03-16-2017, 04:32 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5
1998 Belt Slides off idler pulley
So recently my serpentine belt has been making a knocking sound, so I popped the hood and saw that the belt comes at the idler pulley at an angle, sometimes popping off the idler then snapping back on to it.
Some pictures of how the belt looks right now. Do I need to replace the idler, tensioner? Appreciate any help.
https://imgur.com/gallery/HDvVx
Some pictures of how the belt looks right now. Do I need to replace the idler, tensioner? Appreciate any help.
https://imgur.com/gallery/HDvVx
03-16-2017, 10:51 PM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 939
Welcome!
The pulley alignment looks okay from here, so there's gotta be something going on with that idler. Take the belt off and inspect the pulley. Make sure that the bolt is tightened all the way, and that there is no play in the pulley bearing. It should spin freely in place, but not move in any other way.
The pulley alignment looks okay from here, so there's gotta be something going on with that idler. Take the belt off and inspect the pulley. Make sure that the bolt is tightened all the way, and that there is no play in the pulley bearing. It should spin freely in place, but not move in any other way.
03-16-2017, 11:24 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5
I've read in some places that the pulley's bolt is the opposite of "righty tighty lefty loosey", is that true? (This is my first car, don't want to do anything to mess her up) I've gotten some advice to replace the pulley itself, as it appears there's some wear on it. I'll probably do that once I hit up my local auto parts store.
Thank you for the welcome!
Thank you for the welcome!
03-17-2017, 09:42 AM
#4
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 939
The idler's a standard right-hand thread. I think some tensioners are attached with left-handed bolts, but I'm not sure if that's the case here.
Before going to the parts store, you should take a minute to check the other pulleys to see if they're on their way out. Not all of them are going to spin freely, but you can still check for wobble.
Before going to the parts store, you should take a minute to check the other pulleys to see if they're on their way out. Not all of them are going to spin freely, but you can still check for wobble.
03-17-2017, 01:21 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5
Alright, I checked the other pulleys and they're okay. I got a new idler pulley, but the bolt isn't wanting to come off. It is pretty rusted, but is there any technique for getting that bolt off if it's not willing to cooperate?
03-17-2017, 03:01 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: IN
Posts: 16
With any stubborn fastener there are some simple things to try:
Apply a spray lube and let it soak into the threads.
Use the correct tool for the fastener - In this case the right size socket is preferred next maybe the right size box end wrench. Depending on access space an impact grade socket and impact gun are also a good option. Try a long breaker bar and socket. There is not one trick to removing tight and rusted fasteners but using the spray lube and a hefty correct tool is a good way to approach the problem. Good luck.
Apply a spray lube and let it soak into the threads.
Use the correct tool for the fastener - In this case the right size socket is preferred next maybe the right size box end wrench. Depending on access space an impact grade socket and impact gun are also a good option. Try a long breaker bar and socket. There is not one trick to removing tight and rusted fasteners but using the spray lube and a hefty correct tool is a good way to approach the problem. Good luck.
03-17-2017, 05:45 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5
With any stubborn fastener there are some simple things to try:
Apply a spray lube and let it soak into the threads.
Use the correct tool for the fastener - In this case the right size socket is preferred next maybe the right size box end wrench. Depending on access space an impact grade socket and impact gun are also a good option. Try a long breaker bar and socket. There is not one trick to removing tight and rusted fasteners but using the spray lube and a hefty correct tool is a good way to approach the problem. Good luck.
Apply a spray lube and let it soak into the threads.
Use the correct tool for the fastener - In this case the right size socket is preferred next maybe the right size box end wrench. Depending on access space an impact grade socket and impact gun are also a good option. Try a long breaker bar and socket. There is not one trick to removing tight and rusted fasteners but using the spray lube and a hefty correct tool is a good way to approach the problem. Good luck.
03-18-2017, 04:20 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5
Heading to Wal-Mart in a little bit for some PB blaster! Thank you!
