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91 astro tensioner pulley replace?

I've got a 91 Astro van, 4.3L with AC. I'm in the process of replacing the idler pulley (definitely bad), and want to replace the tensioner pulley as well (since it squeaks when rotated with the belt off). Problem is, I can't figure out how the pulley comes off the bracket-- Since rotating the pulley bolt counter-clockwise is the procedure used for removing tension on the pulley to get the fan belt off, do I just keep going to remove the bolt? Or is the bolt reverse-threaded? Thanks for any help! Kent

Reply to
KentElltt
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Reply to
Bobo

I think the bolt is a left-hand thread

but you oughta replace the entire tensioner..........look at it real carefully, and see if the gap between the fixed and moveable parts is the same all the way around, usually it isn't cause the pivot points are wearing

Reply to
Gary Glaenzer

Easy job, the threads are reverse on the tensioner pulley. So when you swing the pulley in the direction to remove the belt you are tightening the bolt. So pull the belt off, make sure the pulley is not against something that will be damaged (when in down position) and just undo the pulley. Putting the pulley back on is a little funky because you are tightening it against the spring load but you are shooting for it to be tight enough to that the pulley does not wobble or wiggle. Becareful about using the original washers sometimes they will not fit on the new pulleys. The box should tell you to discard them is it is necessary. I just changed both the idler and tensioner (same pulley) on my Suburban (91) and it took 10 min tops. Paid ~$12 for each from autopartsgiant.com

good luck, mark

Reply to
rock_doctor

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