This procedure replaces the idler pulley on the accessory drive belt system. The idler pulley maintains proper belt tension and alignment for engine accessories.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Idler pulley × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Apply wheel chocks to rear wheels
4. Open hood and secure with prop rod

Procedure

1. 1

   Document belt routing
   Take a clear photo of the serpentine belt routing with your phone, or sketch the belt path on paper. The routing diagram is also located on a decal on the radiator support, but verify the actual routing matches before removal.
2. 2

   Remove engine cover (if equipped)
   If equipped with plastic engine cover, remove by pulling upward on the cover to disengage the retaining clips. Some models may have 10mm bolts that need removal first.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Release belt tensioner
   Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Using a 14mm socket or serpentine belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension on the belt. The tensioner pivot bolt is clearly visible and accepts a 14mm tool.
4. 4

   Remove serpentine belt
   While holding the tensioner in the released position, slip the serpentine belt off one of the pulleys (alternator pulley is easiest). Slowly release the tensioner, then remove the belt completely from all pulleys. Inspect the belt for cracks, glazing, or excessive wear while removed.
5. 5

   Remove idler pulley bolt
   Locate the idler pulley, which is positioned between the crankshaft pulley and alternator. Using a 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the single bolt securing the idler pulley to the engine block. The bolt threads directly into the block.
6. 6

   Remove idler pulley
   Pull the idler pulley straight out from the mounting boss on the engine block. Inspect the mounting surface on the engine for debris or damage. Clean the mounting surface with a clean rag if needed.
7. 7

   Install new idler pulley
   Position the new idler pulley onto the mounting boss, ensuring it sits flush against the engine block. The pulley should spin freely by hand with no grinding or resistance. Thread the bolt in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
   Torque spec

   Idler Pulley Bolt45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque idler pulley bolt
   Using a torque wrench and 14mm socket, tighten the idler pulley bolt to 45.0 Nm (33.0 lb-ft). Verify the pulley still rotates smoothly after torquing.
   Torque spec

   Idler Pulley Bolt45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall serpentine belt
   Following your photo or the routing diagram, route the serpentine belt around all pulleys except one (leave the alternator for last). Rotate the tensioner clockwise again with your 14mm tool, then slip the belt onto the final pulley. Ensure the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
10. 10

    Verify belt installation
    Visually inspect that the serpentine belt is properly seated in the center of each pulley groove with no misalignment. The belt should not be twisted anywhere along its path. Double-check against your photo or the diagram.
11. 11

    Reinstall engine cover
    If removed, reinstall the plastic engine cover by aligning the clips with their receptacles and pressing down firmly until all clips engage. Install any retaining bolts if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tools are removed from engine bay
2. Close hood securely
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the engine and listen for unusual noises from the belt area - there should be no squealing or grinding
• Observe the belt operation for 30 seconds to ensure it tracks properly on all pulleys without slipping or misalignment
• Turn the engine off and visually inspect that the belt remains properly seated on all pulleys
• Check that the new idler pulley bearing operates smoothly without roughness or play

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