Chevrolet Repair: suburban serpentine belt idler pulley failure, wrenchs, exorbitant price


Question
1998 Suburban 1500 5.0 ltr.

Hello, Brian,

It appears that the idler pulley below the alternator failed/came apart.  It looks like the pulley is not all there.  The belt is intact, but now is loose, resulting in no power steering, alternator, water pump or AC.

The vehicle is sitting on the side of the road, and I would like to repair it myself, if at all possible.  Is this a simple bolt attach pulley that I can change myself?  Is this pulley an off-the-shelf item at the dealership? How is the tension on the belt released?  Any tricks or special tools required for this operation?  Should I just have it towed to the dealership, with the resulting exorbitant price to be paid for repair there?

Thank you for any help you can provide and for this great service.

Answer
hmm it depends on how much damage has been done. if not too much then i would go pay for the part and install it myslef along with a new belt. but if its too damaged you might have to have the mechanic fix it..  no special tools just good old wrenchs and knowlegde...