Strange sound after tightening belts

[luke100]

So spinning my idler pulley by hand sounds like this
https://youtu.be/TLeHwmrErYg

Is it safe to say thats what the issue is? If it is, would i have to buy a replacement? Or could i ask around locally and buy a used one from someone?

I also span all the other pulleys by hand and they were quiet.

Thanks

[NukeKS14]

Originally Posted by luke100

So spinning my idler pulley by hand sounds like this
https://youtu.be/TLeHwmrErYg

Is it safe to say thats what the issue is? If it is, would i have to buy a replacement? Or could i ask around locally and buy a used one from someone?

I also span all the other pulleys by hand and they were quiet.

Thanks

I think you already know the answer to your first question. It should be silent or just about. That thing is TOAST.


Why put another used one in there? It's a pulley with bearings. They dont last forever and this isnt a big money part. You could roll the dice or just get the new part and know it's going to stay fixed.

The whole part OEM is less than $100 USD. I'm confidant they make aftermarket versions for cheaper. Not sure what parts stores you have but here's the part number from the dealership; M-11925-65F03

Also make sure you follow the fsm in my initial reply for setting proper belt tension. You can really damage other components and shorten their life by overtightening the belt. The arrows are where you check for deflection.





Also inspect your belts for wear while you're in there. flip them inside out and inspect for cracks along the radius as they bend and for signs of wear. Seized pulleys will damage the belt too. The idler pulley is only for your A/C compressor drive. It's possible to run without that one specific belt but you'll want the one for the power steering and DEFINITELY the one that drives your alternator and water pump.

[luke100]

ok thanks. i have bought new belts so ill just put them on and make sure i dont over tighten them.

if i decide to run without that belt do i just tighten everything up and leave the belt off? or do i take the idler puller off as well?

[NukeKS14]

Originally Posted by luke100

ok thanks. i have bought new belts so ill just put them on and make sure i dont over tighten them.

if i decide to run without that belt do i just tighten everything up and leave the belt off? or do i take the idler puller off as well?

Wont matter. Either way is fine. I'd just leave the AC belt off and keep the pulley there so you have an easy reference when you go to install the new pulley.

[Tieny]

That's the exact sound that's coming from my 5spd tranny lol
Definitely sounds just like a bad or misaligned bearing on one of your accessory pulleys.

[luke100]

So i took all of the belts off and put a new power steering and alternator belt on, no belt for the idler pulley. and now the car wont start at all lol...

could i have damaged the alternator somehow? or does there need to be a belt for the idler pulley?