I've looked around and found a quite a few postings where members mentioned the pulleys (Idler and tensioner) failing and needing to be replaced (some done by themselves, some took them in). My pulleys are on their way out, and I'm trying to decide if it's something I should tackle myself or do I need to take it in - I haven't been able to find anything regarding the difficulty of this task, tools required, time involved, any tips or tricks, etc. Can anyone offer me any advice? Anything is welcome.

 

I did mine a while ago. I don't remember it being difficult...........

If you have a respectable socket set you shouldn't have any problems.
Just have a good look at how the belt snakes through everything before you take anything apart. You don't have to remove the belt but after you remove the tentioner or idler the belt kinda falls out of where it's s'posed to be.
If you truck has lots-o-miles on it, you might want to change the belt too.

Bob the Fool

 

Thanks for the advice Bob, I did the pulley and belt replacement this past weekend with no troubles. As you said, just needed a decent socket set, and I got an excuse to procure a 1/2" breaker bar to loosen the tensioner. Appreciate the help!

 

I've heard that when people replace their belts, they also replace the tensioner. Is this needed? I'm just getting a little squeaking every now and again so I think I just need to replace the belt. It is also showing signs of wear. I'm just trying to figure out if I should just go ahead and replace the tensioner or not. I've got 102000 on the 2005 5.4.
Also, I was wondering, what are the symptoms of a bad pulley? I just thought of that question so I haven't searched for this answer yet so I appologize for that, especially if there's a million other posts with that answer already.

 

Hi,

I s'pose it's a matter of how much you value your time.... changing the 25 or $30 pulley isn't much more of a task than just changing the belt.

it you take the belt loose and try to move the pulley side to side, it shouldn't wiggle or rattle at all. if it does, it's hasn't got much usable life left..

of course if you don't want to go the extra parts cost now, you may have to get all the tools out and take the time in a month or 2 or 3, that's up to you.........

Good luck,

Bob the Fool