Hi all,

The idle pulley on my timing belt separated fairly cleanly the very outside of its circumference. I was fortunate to notice this only because my normally very quiet engine compartment was making an unusual noise so I opened up the hood and saw the outside ring around this pulley bouncing around inside the engine compartment.

I was hoping that I could simply replace it but my problem is that the bolt that I need to remove to get the remaining idle pulley off the car turns....but does not loosen. Is there something else behind this pulley that I need to grab a hold of? I am doing my utmost to be as careful as I can since I realize that I am operating in a very sensitive area. Also can someone tell me how the piston that seems to be the tensioner works? I can clearly see it but I don't understand how is works. How exactly is it tensioning belt?

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee

1995 Volvo 960 wagon
1988 Volvo 244

 

The pulley that I am referring to is just above the top of the top most yellow circle in this picture. It is about 1/4" less in circumference now.


<img>http://www.atthetipwebs.com/technologyinstructions/volvo/960/pict1088.jpg</img>

 

Ok. I think I have it now. I found the picture below and if this is the same idler pulley (it appears there are two) than I need to remove the two bolts that hold the pulley plate to the engine then I do not need to remove the pulley itself.

Please confirm.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Replacement-Timing-Belt-Idler-Pulley-/00/s/NDc0WDcwMA==/z/RasAAOxy--NRoos4/$T2eC16d,!ykE9s7t)+9gBRoos4H)cQ~~60_3.JPG

Thanks,
Jim Lee

 

Wrong again. The other idler is my issue and I now see how the
tensioner works. It looks like I need a rather large Torx bit.

http://assets0.fcpstores.com/public/...jpg?1284661818

Thanks,
Jim Lee