How do I get the right tightness on the idler pulley Bolt?

Tiny
GREGG SMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
I am replacing my serpentine belt and the idler pulley and tensioner pulley. The idler pulley felt hand snug only when I loosened the bolt. I put the bolt, spacer, and o-ring in place and went to tighten it. It goes from loose with pulley play to tight and the pulley won't turn in a small window of tightening. I have the o-ring all the way down on the bolt.
Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 12:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

One of two thing is happening. First, the bearing in the new idler is frozen and won't turn, or something isn't together correctly. In the pic below, I circled the inner portion of the bearing. There should be a spacer that fits into that bearing. Do you have that properly aligned into the bearing?

Let me know. Also, if you can, take a pic of what you have so I can see it.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 5:46 PM

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