2001 Malibu Idler Pulley and Tensioner Jan 7 2011

A high pitched squeal was happening on really cold days at cold startup. It was traced to the idler tensioner assembly and wheel. The spring in the tentioner was not moving freely anymore, and the wheel had much play and was rough spinning. While the surpentine belt was already off, I figured it was time to change the idler wheel as well. It makes it much easier on the water and power steering pump, as well as the air conditioning compressor when a idler tensioner assembly is in good order. It also saves you from being stuck on the side of the road, the springs can fly apart on these assemblies when they are very worn out. Also done is a quick walk-around of the car, catching a bit of the undersides to see how the oiling is helping to keep corrosion at bay.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2001 Chevy Malibu
• Malibu V6
• 3.1 Chevy V6
• idler tensioner
• idler pulley
• changing an idler tensioner
• under the hood of an older car
• GM vehicles
• spikedpunk
• fixing an idler pulley
• undercoating on an old car
• Chevrolet Malibu

[jbrunsonjr]

Awesome job keeping the ol' girl running!!

[spikedpunk]

@jbrunsonjr Thanks Jack! This car has to keep going, the last thing one needs in life is an added cost of a major repair due to not fixing a minor thing they knew about.

[462ANIMAL]

That's a job well done, and now peace of mind for you:) It's the little things like that if not replaced will leave you at the side of the road!

[spikedpunk]

@462ANIMAL Thank you. In all honesty, as a car ages, things have to be looked at a little more often, by yourself or an honest garage. When I know something is amiss on the car, I know there will be nobody to blame but myself should it break at a most inopportune moment because it was not then addressed in a timely manner.

[462ANIMAL]

@spikedpunk You are right, never know when something will let you down, might be when everthing is closed "holiday" I'm bad at times the old I'll do it "later" lol... good old mechanic's car making funny noises and stalling LOL

[spikedpunk]

@462ANIMAL It is often said, an old cliche, The Cobbler's Children Have No Shoes!

[spikedpunk]

@john1240able Yes, you will see some tiny marks in the next movie being uploaded, it will be a feature of a cold start and walk around the car.

[john1240able]

you got any door ding on your malibu