Which Do I change Idler Pulley or the Belt>?

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Oct 14, 2003 | 04:59 PM

2000Z28M6

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From: C.C., TX

Which Do I change Idler Pulley or the Belt>?

Ok I got the same annoying cold start squeek, some people have reported. My question is how do I know which one is making the problem? I'm a lil strapped for cash right now, so I dont have the luxury of replacing both and getting it over with. Is there a way to troubleshoot this? So I can decide if its the pulley or the damn belt. Any suggestions are wlecomed.

Oct 14, 2003 | 05:33 PM

Ireland31

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From: Southern California

Re: Which Do I change Idler Pulley or the Belt>?

Well, my pulley was making some weird noise (didnt know it was the pulley at the time), it was RPM related and inconsistant. On a drive from Texas to California, it decided to seize and eat itself in the middle of the desert, and throw the belt off the car. More than likely its the pulley. You can try spraying some WD 40 on the belt, if it quiets it down, then its the belt, if not, then its probably the pulley.

Oct 14, 2003 | 07:56 PM

2000Z28M6

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Re: Which Do I change Idler Pulley or the Belt>?

ttt anyone else?

Oct 14, 2003 | 09:28 PM

soundengineer

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Re: Which Do I change Idler Pulley or the Belt>?

dont spray the belt ....spray the back of the pulleys....its probably a pulley cause we have an auto tesioner that takes care of slack....If your tensioner is all the way relaxed...then it would be the belt for sure....

and If you threw a belt...it was the belt going bad...not the pulley....
when they get bad they get stretched out of wack....no tension=squeak,squeak,squeak...

IF it is a pulley...it will be one of the freewheeling ones...and you should spray with silicone..not wd-40...take the plley off to spray it...be careful not to get any on the part where the belt rides...

Oct 14, 2003 | 10:38 PM

WicketMike

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From: Killa Cali

Re: Which Do I change Idler Pulley or the Belt>?

1997-1999: Service Bulletin: Accessory Drive Squeak (Replace Idler Pulley)
Subject: Technical - Accessory Drive Squeak (Replace Idler Pulley)
Source: Chevrolet Service Bulletin
Number: 99-06-01-007
Models:
1997 - 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
1998 - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
1998 - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
with 5.7 L Engine (VIN G - RPO LS1)

Condition:

Some customers may comment on a squeak noise coming from the engine or accessory drive while the engine is running . This squeak may vary in volume and may be heard inside the vehicle with the windows up and the radio on.

Cause:

The idler pulley dust shield may distort during assembly due to torquing of the mounting bolt. This distortion may cause the idler pulley dust shield to contact the bearing race and the pulley resulting in the squeak noise.

Correction:

A new idler pulley assembly is available with a thicker dust shield to prevent the distortion of the dust shield. The previous dust shield thickness is 0.61 mm. The new dust shield thickness is 1.37 mm.

Important

Do not over-torque the mounting bolt or the condition may reoccur.
Do not use pneumatic or electric tools for installation of the idler pulley assembly.

Tighten

Torque the idler pulley bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

Parts Information

Part Number
Description

12564401
Idler Pulley Assembly