How to Remove a Belt Idler Tensioner from a Chevy Silverado

Applies to: CHEVROLET All Models (1997-2006)

 

Chevy Silverado (1997-2006)

Pull Tip: Using a 3/8 breaker bar vs. a 3/8 ratchet to pull and release the tension of the belt tensioner to remove the belt will allow for better leverage. But the 3/8 ratchet will still work.

Estimated Pull Time: 10-15 minutes

Recommended Tools

  • image of needed socket pull tool at Pull-A-Part 15mm Socket
  • Use a ratchet to make your repair with help from Pull-A-Part. 3/8 Ratchet

Instructions

  • 1

    Remove the belt by inserting a 3/8 inch ratchet or breaker bar into the square hole on the front of the belt tensioner, pulling against the spring tension then remove the belt.

  • 2

    Remove the single bolt holding on the belt idler tensioner using a 15mm socket

VIDEO TRANSCRPIT

Hey, guys. What's going on? This is Brian from the YouTube channel Classic G-Body Garage. And today I'm going to do a DIY and Drive tutorial with Pull-A-Part Used Auto Parts. All right, today I'm going to remove the idler tensioner off of this 2001 Chevy Silverado. It's bolted to the front of the motor with a single 15 millimeter bolt. Now, this is a commonly wore item. So there's a couple of ways to make sure that this part is in good condition.

Go ahead and spin the pulley. Make sure there isn't any type of noise or binding or grinding. So the pulley spins good there. And also, this is a pivot point right here: a spring-loaded pivot point. Go ahead and push on that. And that has plenty of spring tension. No binding there. So going to go ahead and use my 15-millimeter wrench and go ahead and remove this. Now, you can see that there is no alternator on his vehicle, and there's also no belt. I went ahead and removed the belt and alternator on a previous video.

So go ahead and make sure you check that out. And this is coming off pretty easily. Like I said, it's just a single 15 millimeter bolt right on the front. And we're already nice and loose. All right, there we go. Idler pulley successfully removed. All right, well we got the tensioner pulled off this truck. And all it took was a single bolt. So it was very simple. So investing a little bit of time pulling your own part is going to save you a lot of money while keeping your vehicle on the road. This is Brian with Classic G-Body Garage. Thanks for watching.

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