Not the alternator or the tensioner pulley.

It's squeaking up a storm. I'm keeping it at bay with a dose of WD40 every 3 days or so. Thought it was an idler pulley, but everyone calling a pulley an 'idler pulley' ends up showing the plastic one on the tensioner.

Also, I assume I can replace the entire unit (maybe?) or are the bearings replaceable?

 

It's the idler alright. Bearing is replaceable.

 

Cool.

Had ordered a part earlier tonight, looks like:


Link:
http://www.carpartswholesale.com/inc...VtcGVyYXR1cmVz

Sounds like I ordered the right part (though the picture doesn't even remotely resemble the part). Gonna add a gatorback when I change it out.

 

Well if it is the one to the right that looks like you've dosed it with wd. That is actualy your water pump, if it is squeaking it is probably on the out and needs to be replaced. Cheap fix though around 50 or so and only 3 bolts if I remember right.

 

Which one is it? The one to the right that is smooth that the back of the belt rides on? If so I am positive that's the water pump.

 

The one on the right, NOT the tensioner/alternator.

Cardone ok to go with? There's an 'ASC' one also, or Duralast.

 

Well what ever water pump that is cheapest they are all pretty much made by the same people. If any offer a lifetime warrenty and it's not to much more I would go with that. I got mine from Advanced Auto and it has I beleive a 1year warrenty. One thing with most auto parts places that most people don't know you can set up a commercial account with them and you get a discount and you don't need to have a buisness Id #.

 

Actualy just pulled up my history with Advanced and it was the ASC lifetime one payed $48 and change for it.

 

Yep, it's the water pump.

 

Though water pumps were gear driven, just in-case the belt broke.

 

nope only the crank, cam, oil pump, power steering pump, and injector pump is gear driven

 

Just picked up one from advanced.. local store had it for 60, had em price match it to their website for 49. Got a gatorback for 30 from autozone.

Advanced carries a Dayco belt (they make the gator for Goodyear), but not having seen the gator personally first, I avoided it for the moment.

Gonna try to do it w/o removing the fan.

 

Sorry about the mis-lead, kept thinking the fan is tied to the water pump. Well, now I know!

 

Ya know, I never thought it'd be the water pump. I'm so used to seeing them connected to the fan. It just looked like a stationary pulley.

Though, after seeing the new one, I'm glad the water pump is easy. 2 bolts and a gasket.

 

Yeah, I used to think that was a idler also. Surprised me too when I learned the fan and water pump were separate.