Cadillac Repair: Question about 1994 Cadillac Concours 4.6 L NorthStar, serpentine belt tensioner, tensioner pulley


Question
Hi there, i have a question regarding my 1994 Cadillac Concours 4.6 L NorthStar.  I have been looking through threads online to determine which pulley of mine is shot, and i think its either the tensioner pulley or the idler pulley.  The pulley in question has a smooth surface with no grooves and is either the smallest or second smallest one and is also the closest one to the front end of the car.  I think the bearing is shot.  The pulley is completely cock-eyed, but it didnt hurt the belt upon my not so thorough inspection.  Does the whole unit (pulley) have to be replaced or just the bearing?  Also, how much should this cost to fix either by myself or via the dealership?  THX, Phillip

Answer
I believe that you can replace the SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER PULLEY which comes with the bearing  and remove the SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER and remove the pulley as I believe the bolt that is in the center of the pulley is on the backside of the TENSIONER which will require removal of the tensioner to replace the pulley.

HINT: Make SURE that you make a drawing of how the SERPENTINE BELT is routed around the different components BEFORE you remove it or you won't remmember how to re-install it.