ive got a 96 dakota 3.9. started to squeal like crazy, turns out the bearings in the idler pully are shot. anyone know if this is an easy thing to replace? i wouldn't exactly say i know my way around an engine so any help here would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.

 

To my knowledge, the idler pully has no bearings, just a bushing. If it were me, I'd start by spraying some wd40 or pb blaster in where the bolt goes through and see if it clears up the squeal.

But if you do want to change it, its very easy. Take a wrench to the bolt on the belt tensioner and turn and hold it (I forgot which way). While holding the tensioner, pull the belt off. Remove the bolt holding on the idler pulley and install the new one. Loop the belt back through everything and hold the tensioner loose again and slide the belt over it and let it go.

 

i hit it w/ wd40, squeal stops for a few min, until wd wears off. definatly the idler pully. i think you are right, no bearings. thanks for the help. you make it sound easy, so im gonna give it a go. i'll let you know how it goes. thanks alot!

will i need a special tool for belt tension when i put it back on?

 

No, just a standard box wrench. The tension is self-set by a spring.