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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-

Squeaky idler pulley?

  • Thread starter Thread starter XxMustang281xX
  • Start date Start date Aug 17, 2010

XxMustang281xX

Member
Jun 9, 2004
194
0
17
Everett, PA
Aug 17, 2010
#1
  • Aug 17, 2010
  • #1
Not sure if thats what it is, its the one right by the tensioner. Starts squeaking about 10min after the car is started, and if you spray it with armor all, it stops. What exactly are underdrive pulleys? How do they help? Should I just get them to fix the problem
 

joshjwc9

Active Member
Jun 12, 2006
1,095
17
39
Palm Harbor, FL
Aug 18, 2010
#2
  • Aug 18, 2010
  • #2
I've been there too and it's annoying as all hell. But simply go to the parts store and buy one. The idler pulley they have is the same that is attached to the tensioner as the other one in the serpentine system. You just simply have to unbolt the tensioner to get to that one. Mine took like 10 minutes to swap, plus I got like a 2 year warranty on it.
 

tank_567

Active Member
Mar 19, 2007
731
26
29
Raleigh, Nc
Aug 18, 2010
#3
  • Aug 18, 2010
  • #3
Do what I did, replace them all and replace the belt, it will cost around 50 bucks to do.
 

mustang50v8

Member
Feb 4, 2003
548
3
18
847 Chicago Burbs
Aug 19, 2010
#4
  • Aug 19, 2010
  • #4
replace the pulley before the bearings in it seize and the pulley stops moving. shredded belts are no fun. it happened to me and it sucks.
 

XxMustang281xX

Member
Jun 9, 2004
194
0
17
Everett, PA
Aug 19, 2010
#5
  • Aug 19, 2010
  • #5
ok, what about underdrive pulleys?? what is the difference from stock
 

sneaky98gt

10 Year Member
Apr 23, 2008
2,387
144
114
NC State University
Aug 19, 2010
#6
  • Aug 19, 2010
  • #6
Underdrive pulleys is just a set of smaller crank pulley, larger water pump pulley, and larger alternator pulley. AC, P/S, tensioner, and idler pulleys all remain unchanged.

I had the same problem a while back; I replaced both the idler and tensioner pulley, along with a new belt, and the problem went away and haven't had a problem since. Those pulleys turn over quite a bit and the internal bearings just wear out over time. Good news is that they are cheap (<$20). Got mine from Advance Auto Parts.
 
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