Hi, I'm driving a borrowed '84 with a 2.3 liter. The idler pulley for the fan belt is starting to scream because the bearing is going. So no problem, just unbolt it...but there's no bolt. It's permanently fixed to a large bracket which also supports the power steering pump. There is no bolt on the rear side either. It's a mystery. The local mechanic has never seen this.

I must change this asap, before I'm stranded by a self-destructing pulley or belt. Do I need to buy the whole bracket, demount the PS pump, etc. just to change this pulley? Is there a simpler workaround? I'm waiting on the dealer for a price on the bracket - Please help me out, I can't be the first to be stumped by this normally routine replacement part. Can this one be lubed in place to prolong its life? Will oil seep into it or is it sealed?

Your experience needed quickly,

Thanks, Gordon

 

So far the dealer can't help. Doesn't understand why there is no bolt. Even referred this question to a Mazda dealer, but still no go. To date there is no part number, price or availability info for this idler pulley/bracket. Can someone please tell me where to find the engine serial number (it's the truck's third motor) so I can try to track down this part. Better yet, does anyone know how to remove this pulley without destroying the bracket, and then mount a replacement pulley?

Any idea what year this engine could be? It's a 2.3 in an '84 Ranger 2WD. No AC. One long serpentine belt to run fan/w-pump, alternator and PS pump. The idler pulley is located below the alternator and between the PS pump and the timing belt cover. There is a part number on the pulley but the dealer does not recognize it.

Any leads will help,

Thanks, Gordon

 

Hey Gordon, did you ever get an answer as to how to remove that idler pulley? I looked on the back of mine after scraping a bunch of dirt and dust and found that there is a retaining clip on the back.