Chrysler Repair: How do I change idler pulley: 2.5 V-6, pulley bolt, crankshaft pulley

Question
QUESTION: How do I change idler pulley on 99 Chrysler Cirrus V6-2.5

ANSWER: Hi Mike,
I am not sure if you are speaking of the timing belt tensioner pulley or the external accessory drive belt tensioner pulley or something different. I don't see an idler pulley, as such. Those first two pulleys appear to be held in place by a bolt or a nut, respectively. In any case, please clarify which pulley you mean and do you want to know the steps from start to finish or just the pulley removal/replacement alone? Please respond via a follow-up question to this question.
Roland


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is a pulley below the alternator and above the a/c compressor.  The bearings went on the pulley and the belt blew off.  Also, do you know the belt routing diagram, or where I acn find it on the web?

Thanks,

Mike

Answer
Hi Mike,
The '98 manual shows it to be a simple center bolt on the pulley that if removed should allow you to replace it. There is an adjusting bolt directly behind the pulley that allows for adjusting the position of the pulley to get the proper belt tension. It appears to be a simple path: starting at the crank pulley and going around clockwise over the top of that pulley to the alternator pulley (clockwise) back to the idler (counter clockwise) to the A/C (clockwise) and back to the crankshaft pulley. Let me know if you need to remove the power steering belt to put on this belt. You have to loosen the idler pulley bolt in order to move it back and forth to adjust the belt tension, and when you have it to the proper tension you tighten the idler pulley bolt to 40 foot-lbs.
To gain access to do this entire process it appears that you need to jack up the right front wheel, remove the wheel, then remove the splash shield that prevents water from splashing on the belts/pulleys. That shield is attached to the frame rail and the fender by push-pins (push in center to release) and screws. Then you can loosen the pulley bolt and replace the pulley, etc. Tighten the adjustment screw until the belt deflects about 1/4" when you apply 10 lbs of force midway between the crank and the alternator pulleys. Then tighten the idler pulley bolt to 40 foot-lbs
A diagram for the belt can likely be found at www.autozone.com
Good luck with the project.