Need help!! Pulley, belt noises

[snowy23]

Hey folks, need a little help. Recently purchased a 91 awd astro with 208k. replaced the fan clutch , disconnected the front axle and she runs pretty good. I hear a rattlin noise coming from the front right side of the engine area. I think it's either the idler pulley and or the tensioner. Read some archive posts about changing the idler pulley and tensioner but none that seem to say it all How are these two items replaced and which one is reverse thread? Actually need the sequence for removal and installation. 5/8" wrench and lift the tensioner? Is there and easier way? Heard of replacing just the bearing of the tensioner , I think. Can do that as a low cost alternative to the whole tenioner. I will most likely do both along with the belt if I only understand how it's done. Soon to have manual 4x4 t-case. Thanks for any help.
Keith

[Moreforles]

seeing as you just got the van and most likely don't know what maintenance has been preformed, change the Tensioner now, might be time for it even if its not the problem right now.

If you still have the problem, look for another source.....

[Moreforles]

the tensioner, when you move it to slip the belt on, the oposite way should loosen the bolt, not sure which way, its been awhile since I changed one.....

[Clamster]

When ya get the belt off spin the pulley by hand, if its sloppy and the cause, you can just change the bearing yourself. Pop it out with a punch its shot anyways. Tap the new one in with a piece of wood or brass drift. Both tensioners have the same bearing. At least on my 90 don't know aftr that. I paid $3.88 each at the local parts store. The whole tension arm was some 20 bucks.

SKF-6203 2RSJ also known as FM-203FF or to any bearing place if your parts store don't have it ask for a 203.

[SoCalli V8]

I use a modidfied mechanics stethoscope with a 10 length of brake line fitted, for listening to noisy bearings.

For your problem because of the squeeking and milage, I would replace the whole tensioner as preventative maintenence.

Replace the belt also with a high quality part "Gates" is what I would recommend.

[Rebel]

You also might check the steering pump and make sure bolts and bracket are tight. If the pump bolts back out or bracket is broken around pump area you will hear a rattle from that area.

[HPbyStan]

I'm still waiting for someone to comment on the disconecting the front axle. I know that's no big deal on a 4WD but thought it was a "no-no" on an AWD ???????

[Clamster]

Snowy23--Here is a good site for basic "How To's" on about everything. Info on your tensioner here.
http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/09 ... oPages.htm

[Water Boy]

If you are gonna replace the s-belt, use a Goodyear Gatorback.
I've done 4 and they all have been quiet.