I have an 01 Dodge Ram 5.9L, and the rubber on the tension pulley has totally frayed off. It's the pulley farthest to the left while looking down into the engine from the front of the truck. So my questions:

Is this the same as the "idler pulley" I have seen all the threads about?
And
What is the easiest way to get the belt off and replace this pulley? I have hardly any experience with this sort of thing but I assume I can order one online.

Thanks in advance.
Jake

 

Its called a tensioner pulley. The idler pulley is the one between alternator and p/s pulleys. To replace, put a 15mm wrench on the tensioner pulley bolt and turn counter clockwise (tighten) and pull towards drivers side. That will loosen tension on the belt; pull it off. Now loosen the bolt and replace pulley, put belt back on and route according to diagram on rad support.

You can get one at any auto parts store or online. RockAuto's website is a good one to order from, and there a discount code on the RockAuto thread/sticky.

 

Get a DAYCO tensioner pulley.

 

Thanks guys, fixed up great