Idler Pulley, How to replace (EASY and CHEAP)

Idler pulley squeak? Learn how to fix a squeaky pulley in your car. The serpentine belt in your car powers the accessories such as air conditioning, power steering, the alternator, and waterpump. Pulley wear will cause your pulley to squeak. A worn out pulley bearing or a worn spring in the tension pulley can also cause squeaking. I show you how to use water to identify what type of squeak problem you have and then how to find the problem.

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[johnnydegeorge]

Dude.... you make the best vids for car repair. No BS, no stupid dialog, excellent vid shots and resolution, and your safety minded too.  Good work!  :)

[coreyparrish]

Thank you, I got it done for $101(2 pulleys, new belt, and tensioner) and a little soak in the rain. Runs like a champ now.

[maryoconnor]

I love the way you make these easy to understand, and very good filming and clarity. I'm not a mechanic do-it-yourselfer, yet I watch your videos regularly. Every one who owns a car should be aware of your video collection. No longer can the repair shops confuse me, scare me, overcharge or falsely diagnose expensive repairs that are so urgent " ...your steering wheel will fall off next time you're on the freeway" . I can converse with the mechanics intelligently and this prevents my being taken advantage of, and I am now able to tell who are the honest mechanics and which ones aren't, and I can see what it's supposed to cost and how much labor is involved in each job. I hope more people like me find these videos and arm themselves before going in for repairs. Thanks for saving me thousands!

[ersaviation]

One year ago if you would have asked me how to change oil I couldn't tell you. After watching Chris's videos I am able to do my own auto repair not only for me but my family, thank you Chris!

[tracydavis]

I'm a 34 year old woman that is going to change her very first pulley because of this video! I'm tired of asking my boyfriend or Dad to drop what they're doing to fix my shit. Now armed with your video, I GOT THIS! lol
Thank you!

[msanchez]

This video is so awesome! I was able to replace the pulley just like in the video. I'm in awe that I was able to do this job by myself. Even after I fixed it, I'm driving around in disbelief that I fixed it myself. And the best part? I marvel at the amount of money and time I saved by not going to the mechanic.

[aPAROz]

Dude, your videos rock. I've seen so many fix-it videos and yours are BY FAR the most comprehensive. Thanks for doing this stuff!

[jeremiahoutlaw]

Finally someone who just tells you what you want to know without 20 mins of unnecessary dialog at the beginning….great job

[chrisfix]

Thanks! That is such a great complement! I like Ericthecarguy's stuff and to be compared to him is great! I might do a timing belt change relatively soon. I am working on a compression test first!

[smallboybenny]

thought I was under warranty for the idler pulley, but the dealership quoted me at $350 before tax to replace it. I walked away, and feel great that this video exists. Thanks!

[tanvirislam]

Great man wonderful, like me poor people who dont have enough money to go mechanic shop, very useful, ,,,thank u so much dear...god bless u...

[tatesmobilewashandinstalla]

This channel has helped me more than my dad ever did. Thanks second dad!!

[chrisfix]

joel maldonado Yes, the washer that I put back on the tensioner pulley bolt is needed. It holds the pulley in against the bearing properly when you tighten it down. 

[renegade]

This video came in in a clutch. I was on my way home when I heard a noise in my engine compartment and my car died. Well, I was on the road. So, I quickly went into the nearest car park to see what was going on. The idler pulley had shattered around the ball bearings, causing the serpentine belt to slip and get shredded. Fortunately, there was an O'Reilly across the street. I got the ruined pieces off and took them over and got a sales associate to identified the parts and get me replacements. It cost me $90 total for the new parts. But, when I take into consideration towing costs and paying a mechanic to repair it, I realize I just saved myself some $300-$400. The best part is this was my first time to work in any car around the serpentine belt area and I managed to successfully install the new parts. I only needed the video to figure out where the tension pulley was located and how to manipulate it.

[davidmdomingo]

Brilliant. I think I am addicted to your videos Chris. Your way of explaining things is very lucid. I am from India and I love cars.

[aguynameddoug]

I see you being the first YouTuber to hit a billion plus subscribers soon. Not only the volumes of knowledge, but also your teaching methods, personality, funny voice and etc. And it’s cool that you don’t show your face ever, at least to my knowledge lol. It’s something I would do.
Thank you man, for real.

[chrisfix]

If you have a simple welder, you might try tack welding a bolt head onto it. Then use a socket to take it off and replace the nut. That is simple (if you have a welder). Im guessing you cant get a drill in there and just drill the bolt out?

[orlandob]

Im surprised no mechanic shop has put out a hit on you... You're killing their business. .... And saving me a lot of money in the process!!

[shinola]

It's important to keep in mind some of these pulleys are secured using a reverse thread bolt. Make sure before attempting this or you could have a big problem.

[turtwigful]

Chris is the only backyard mechanic that shows and, explains in detail. I Learn alot from this guy! Thanks for your videos Chris.