mrz28guy

Hey there, I have a 98 Z28 that appears to have a broken pulley. I am not the ultimate goober but I'm pretty unsaavy when it comes to my motor so please bare with me. If you're looking at the engine from the front of the car it's the upper left pulley the main (serpentine?) belt is connected to. Which pulley is that?

Basically, can I replace that pulley myself and more importantly, can I get the belt back on it, or possibly replace the belt, myself?

Appreciate your time.

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

"Broken pulley"? That's unusual. Pulleys don't normally break. The bearing might fail or the bolt might come loose, but a "broken pulley". I doubt it. If you get the pulley off you can replace the bearing for under $10. The dealer is going to charge more than $50. What condition is the bolt in and how do the threads look? It's probably an idler.

mrz28guy

Thanks for the response. I'll look closer at the pulley when I get home from work, I know they are very strong and breaking sounds pretty impossible.

Regardless, can I get a new belt on without having to take things apart?

Also, since the power steering is out it's hell to drive. If I could pull it off are there any major concerns with other things not working if I try to drive it to a mechanic?

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

if you disconnect your steering linkage and it retracts into the car that can be a bitch.


take a pic of the pulley youre talking about though so were on the same page. replacing the belt is stupid easy

LS1MCSS

iTrader: (18)

That should be the pulley on the tensioner. It is spring loaded, so you pull it back and slip the belt over it.

HSV-GTS-300

Put a spanner on the central bolt as shown....push the spanner to the right to release tension on the belt. Slide the belt off.

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

What do you mean "the power steering is out". Have you removed the power steering pump? Why would you do that? Even with "the power steering" out your pulley shouldn't "break" as you call it. So you have multiple problems?

mrz28guy

HSV- Your pic, that's the thing thats broken, what the wrench is on... that outer ring that keeps the belt from sliding off is broken.

eallan- I haven't removed anything, but when the belt slipped off the power steering stopped working, so I assume the belt is controlled to power steering somehow?

Lt1Porsche

iTrader: (6)

The power steering pump is run off of the same belt yes. So if the belt slips off you will lose you alternator, power steering, A/C, etc. You can buy just the pulley itself from NAPA. Cost me like $20. Just unbolt it. Bolt the new one on and slide the belt back on. Simple as pie.

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

You can't drive it w/o the belt b/c the waterpump is driven by it. You'll overheat the engine if you run it at all, so driving is out of the question. That pulley is called the belt tensioner pulley and should be available at your local autoparts store. All you need to change it and put the belt back on is a 15mm wrench. Make sure your belt isn't damaged before you reuse it(if you still have it). Good luck.

eallanboggs

iTrader: (1)

That idler must be make of plastic rather than metal for it to "break" The bearing could have seized taking out the pulley. If you can get it for $20 at you local auto parts store that's a deal. Don't forget to examine the belt real close. It wouldn't hurt to buy it anyway and keep it as a spare. You must be driving very short distances only to run the vehicle without overheating. Good thing for you it's winter time.

mrz28guy

Thanks for all your help guys. The tensioner pulley was shredded so I just replaced that and all is well! Appreciate your time and pictures

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

I'm glad you got it fixed.

3rdgentug

iTrader: (23)

id be sure to keep an eye on it even though you replaced it, never heard of one breakin . you might have other issues!

DMONEY06

iTrader: (2)

buy a gatorback belt while your at it