brow&proud

I just noticed belt residue coming off and sticking to my idler pulleys also I can turn the idler pulleys by hand. Is this normal?

97 F150 5.4

Austin97

Yeah stuff will come off the belt as it wears it's not really a big deal. Are you saying you can spin the idler while the belt is on? Because if it is your belt is probably worn or the tensioner is getting weak.

brow&proud

Right I can spin the idler by hand.

brow&proud

[QUOTE="brow&proud"]Right I can spin the idler by hand with the belt on.

Austin97

You probably just need a new belt. How long has that one been on? It looks pretty new though.

brow&proud

I've had it for about 6 months. I guess I'll go ahead ahead and clean it then put new one on. Thanks man.

Sycoholic

New belt, tensioner, and idler pulley. That the belt is coming apart on the idler means it's wearing, the idler is now messed up (might be able to be cleaned), and that you can turn the pulley with the belt on means the tensioner isn't holding tension properly. No pulleys should move, especially by hand.

brow&proud

Is replacing the idler pulley an easy fix or should I go ahead and take it to a shop?

Austin97

I wouldn't replace it personally, just take some sand paper and clean it off. Replacing the tensioner is easy you just take the bolt out and pull it off.