General Maintenance & Repairs Leaks | Squeaks | Clunks | Rattles | Grinds
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

question about a idler pulley

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 23, 2007 | 11:55 PM
  #1  
TA adam's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: KATY 28!/ UTSA
Default question about a idler pulley

So i was hearing a sqeak for quite some time so today i finaly got in there and looked ofr wich pulley it was i found wich one it was( idler pulley, thats what the guy at autzone called it) and went to autozone and got a new one, but i havent changed any thing out yet is there anything i should know before i do this?

thanks Adam
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 04:14 AM
  #2  
navymitch12's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

is it the idler pulley at the top left of the motor?

did you try to start the car and squirt a little wd-40 in bearing area?

might save you some money if you can take the one you have back
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 06:40 AM
  #3  
RPM WS6's Avatar
LS1Tech Administrator
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Community Influencer
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,631
Likes: 2,557
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Default

Moving to General Maintenance & Repairs...
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 08:35 AM
  #4  
GregAbell60143's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Itasca, IL
Default

If WD-40 did quiet it down, it wouldn't last for long (but it would confirm that you had located the source of your noise).
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 08:45 AM
  #5  
CRAGER's Avatar
Administrator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,404
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Default

Alot of times its the tensioner pulley, and usually its the lower one for a/c.

Peace,
Craig.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 08:57 AM
  #6  
koolaid_kid's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
Default

Originally Posted by GregAbell60143
If WD-40 did quiet it down, it wouldn't last for long (but it would confirm that you had located the source of your noise).
Correct. This is the best way to isolate where the noise is coming from. Then you know which part needs to be replaced.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 10:07 AM
  #7  
TA adam's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: KATY 28!/ UTSA
Default

yes that iswut i did i sprayed some wd-40 on the pulley that i thought it was and i got it right the 1st time and then it would start sqeuaking likr 5 seconds later, but i found out wich one it was so i tooke it to autozone and they said yep that is the idler pulley wich makes sense becuase it onley makes a sqeak wen its at an idle wich is quite embarrasing wen ur at stop light and every one is just looking.



but my question how hard or easy is it to take the old one out and put a new one in? and are there any tip that u can help me with?
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 11:52 AM
  #8  
98camaro1le's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
Default

noticed the same thing to day with my car yesterday, would also like to know how difficult to change out so any help appreciated
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 11:59 AM
  #9  
pjb's Avatar
pjb
TECH Resident
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
From: MD
Default

Originally Posted by TA adam
yes that iswut i did i sprayed some wd-40 on the pulley that i thought it was and i got it right the 1st time and then it would start sqeuaking likr 5 seconds later, but i found out wich one it was so i tooke it to autozone and they said yep that is the idler pulley wich makes sense becuase it onley makes a sqeak wen its at an idle wich is quite embarrasing wen ur at stop light and every one is just looking.



but my question how hard or easy is it to take the old one out and put a new one in? and are there any tip that u can help me with?

the term "idler pulley" has nothing to do with when the engine is at idle.
anyway, it seems that you have located your problem.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 12:40 PM
  #10  
TA adam's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: KATY 28!/ UTSA
Default

well it just made sense cuz at idle is wen it sqeaks the worst but thanks for the heads up
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 04:01 PM
  #11  
navymitch12's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

ok take it apart and throw some greese in the bearing....seriously there is really no need to buy a new one if its just speaking its just a bearing with a pully around it
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 04:12 PM
  #12  
Thorny's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Default

Originally Posted by navymitch12
ok take it apart and throw some greese in the bearing....seriously there is really no need to buy a new one if its just speaking its just a bearing with a pully around it

Take the parts back to autozone. All you have to do is take off the pulley, pop out the bearing seal, clean it out with brake cleaner then pack it full of grease. Works great and last as long as a new pulley will. Do all three while you have the belts off, it will take about 20-30 mins total to do them all.
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 04:12 PM
  #13  
TA adam's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: KATY 28!/ UTSA
Default

to late i already bought a new one itwas onley 15 bux so oh well , but this pully justl ooks likere the is one bolts holding it on if i take this off should the pully just come off?
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 04:14 PM
  #14  
navymitch12's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

yea the 15mm bolt that is in the middle of the pulley...just crank it off and then put the new one in
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2007 | 05:31 PM
  #15  
xny1989's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 641
Likes: 11
From: Silver Spring, MD
Default

TA adam, I hope you got the correct pulley - my experience thus far is in getting the maindrive pulley - even from a GM dealership. The dimensions of the maindrive pulleys are roughly 76mm by 29.5mm, and the AC pulleys are roughly 64mm by 20 mm. The maindrive pulleys will NOT fit the AC side.

I have just removed and repacked both AC pulleys (old fashioned wheel bearing grease) - took about 10 minutes - both were bone dry when I opened them up. After reinstalling, I still have a little squeal - have to figure out where it still may be coming from.

Hope your installation went OK
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2007 | 03:06 AM
  #16  
SS#2906's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
15 Year Member
iTrader: (53)
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Sin City
Default

One thing you should know is that the replacement pulleys from Autozone aren't exact OEM, you can't use the washer from behind or it'll stick out too far. Also, you might not want to use the dust cover since it'll rub against the the front of the new one and you'll be back to square one.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2007 | 10:26 AM
  #17  
TA adam's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: KATY 28!/ UTSA
Default

well yesterday my dad took it into his own hands and put the new pully own there still is a little sqeak wich sux so today i might just take the other pulleys off and clean and lube those but thanks for all the help guys
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2007 | 11:25 AM
  #18  
MUSTANGBRKR02's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (91)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 5
From: Maine
Default

check your power steering fluid and pulley. Taking apart bearings is ridiculous you can buy a new one for a few bucks. let the change purse lose alittle.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2007 | 02:03 PM
  #19  
Thorny's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Default

Originally Posted by MUSTANGBRKR02
check your power steering fluid and pulley. Taking apart bearings is ridiculous you can buy a new one for a few bucks. let the change purse lose alittle.
It takes less than five minutes to repack the bearing after you take it off, which is less than making a trip to autozone. It's not about saving money, it just makes more sense. Saving money AND time isn't all that rediculous to me.

To the OP, all three pulleys will make noise. If you fix the loudest one you'll notice the other two right away. Grease all three while you have the belts off.
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2007 | 04:04 PM
  #20  
TA adam's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: KATY 28!/ UTSA
Default

well after replacing it and taking the dust guard off it still sqealed. so i put the dust guard back on and i couldnt find the squeal so i thought maybe it was power steering and it was low so i replaced it and i thought why not give it a shot and buy a new belt, so i did and now is all you hear is the pur of the motor so now im all set and there is no embarasing sqeak wen im at stop lights now but thanks for all ur help guys
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:08 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE