idler pulley

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Jul 16, 2001 | 02:03 PM

swenson

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Joined: Jan 2000

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From: Massachusetts

idler pulley

My serpentine belt on my 95 Bronco 302 squeaks, and I'm thinking of replacing the idler pulley to see if that's the cause of it. The belt looks fine. How much is an idler pulley, and is it nice and easy to replace?

Jul 16, 2001 | 06:37 PM

jim henderson

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Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 4,968

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From: So Cal

idler pulley

Don't know about any Ford truck idler pulleys but in general most idlers are easy to replace, if you can get at them. The tricky part I have found in some, I hope rare instances, is that Ford(maybe others) likes to use "Non Standard" Bearing sizes on some pulleys(SHO and maybe a couple others I have seen). Bearings are usually cheap and easy to replace on the pulley. But since some pulleys use the "Non Standard" bearings, you are forced to buy the whole assembly from Ford. At least on a SHO, the Idler Pulley Asembly was something like $100+ 4 years ago. A bearing usually costs maybe $5. So "Non Standard" parts is good business, eh?

Good Luck, I hope with trucks being so common, the pulleys are a lot cheaper.

Jim Henderson

Jul 16, 2001 | 06:44 PM

snoyes

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Joined: May 2001

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idler pulley

I've replaced pulleys on my 94 as well as my current 96, they run about 20 bucks, the plastic ones have been replaced with metal ones

, if you have one of the metal tensioners, the bearing can be replaced, cost 5-7 bucks.

Jul 16, 2001 | 08:00 PM

jakegypsum

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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!

idler pulley

Swenson, I would try replacing the belt 1st. Use a good brand belt. I have several trucks with different engine configurations that will squeek after the belt has some time on it. Replacing the belt has worked for me many times over. Not to say that the pulley isn't bad though. Check the belt 1st. Good luck. Jake.

Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.

Jul 16, 2001 | 08:19 PM

Pastmaster

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Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 2,719

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From: Lee's Summit MO

idler pulley

Before you even do that. Take the belt off, and turn it around and replace it. I have to do that every so often. It will start squealing when its cold and wet. Both my back brakes will squeal when theyre cold or wet. My trucks kinda noisy when wet or moist.

Jul 16, 2001 | 08:22 PM

jakegypsum

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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!

idler pulley

Pastmaster, Lol. Jake.

Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.

Jul 16, 2001 | 09:10 PM

trouble

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Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 458

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From: Rolla USA

idler pulley

I was reading a mag. today about Idler and i learned somthing , or i think i did , It say that all idlers have a gauge on them that tells when the belt is worn out , Going to order a new idler tomarrow to look at it , to see if i can find this gauge on it .Anyone else ever heard of this ?

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Jul 16, 2001 | 09:39 PM

bulabula

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Joined: Feb 2001

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idler pulley

I've seen an "arrow" or something on an idler arm (maybe my 'stang?) that points within an acceptable band to indicate if the belt is stretched excessively. Has nothing to do with a squeak though. I don't think Doolie has it.

Are you sure it is the pulley squeaking and not the belt? I swore it was my idler pulley too. After I installed the pulley, it turned out to be the belt. BTW, don't cheap out on a belt like I did the first time. I ended up throwing a new belt (under 75 miles) towing my 27' Formula in stop and go traffic. Caused a horrific racket under the hood, and fortunately nothing was damaged by the slinging cords. Thankfully I kept the old squeaky one in the back of the truck for an emergency - it got me home.

BTW, idler pulleys are extremely easy to replace - especially if you have the old one in hand to compare it to the zillions that your local auto supplier probably has in stock.

Chris
'88 F350 XLT Lariat CC DRW/7.5l/C6/4.10
'93 Mustang LX 5.0l/T-5/3.55's/Flo's/pulleys/K&N/Synthetics
Nissan p/u (DC commuter)
Volvo 940