Idler Pully

Okay, I've narrowed down the whine in the engine...it's either the
alternator, the tensioner or the idler pully...and I'm leaning toward the
tensioner or idler pully, since that's where the sound seems the louded.

I might just change them all...they're all original with 157,000 miles.

Any tricks or hints on the idler pully? Looks like I have to pull the
engine mount to do that job.

I can do the alternator and tensioner together. Part's aren't very
expensive.

And...what does the idler pully DO?

Thanks.

Barry

 

The Idler Pully puts Tention on your Serpentien belt..

Take your Belt off and see if the Idler Pully spins freely. When it spins
see if you can hear a humming sound or if you can feel the bearing bounce as
it turns.

As for the ALT.. Well depengine on what you have on your car, you will need
to remove the Power steering pump. Some have had sucess removing the Alt
from underneth.

 

I've never had to removethe PS pump - I have changed the alt on both SOHC
and DOHC S series Saturns. It comes out through the wheel well quite
easily.

 

Wow. If you've gotten that much mileage from those parts,
you're doing pretty well! The last time I heard a bearing whine from
under the hood of my SC2, it turned out to be one of the alternator
bearings. If you take off the right front tire and splash shield, you can
change the alternator without touching the PS pump. With the tire and
shield
removed you can also get to the tensioner and idler pulley.
The tensioner is easy, but you'll need an offset box wrench
(I <think> it was 15mm) and some patience for the idler.

Dave

 

Damn..

Never thought of that.. A buddy of mine has a 92 DOSC and that how he got
his out. (Removing the PS and pull the Alt up.)

I my self haven't had to change the Alt.

 

I just replaced an alternator in a 97 SOHC - through the wheel well. I
didn't pull the PS so it was a bit tight getting to the top bolt. The
tensioner takes a 14mm wrench.

 

Take your Belt off and see if the Idler Pully spins freely. When it spins

My first suspect would be the alternator. You don't need to remove the PS pump
to do it. The first time I changed it I did it from the bottom entirely, the
second time I pulled the pass frt tire and splash shields and that made it much
easier. The top bolt is a little annoying to get to, but other then that its a
simple job.

 

Be extra careful to properly "tighten" both bolts on the alternator.
It is easy to not get them right, and then the alternator will
move/wobble when the engine runs. That will destroy the part in short
order and you will not notice it until the damage is done.

I also take off the plastic wheel well to replace these parts. It
only takes a few minutes and the job is easy. With care, you can
"save" the plastic plugs/fasteners for reuse. The cost of the
fasteners are not cheap, especially if you go to a dealer.

 

When mine squealed it was the tensioner. Got one at a junk yard for $15 two
years ago and it is still working.
Alex