Noisy, squeaky AC idler pulley? Here's a trick...

[fred]

Here's why...
I had some noises when I turned on my A/C, and when I finally investigated, I discovered the tensioner pulley was not in contact with the belt.

What WAS in contact with the belt was the main lower radiator hose, and the belt has worn a groove in it, through the first ply of the hose!!!

That pulley lifts the belt up high enough to clear the radiator hose, among other things.

This is on an '82 FJ60.

 

[Polar Bear]

Changed out the tensioner pulley yesterday and MAN! What a change in NVH! I bought my 80 a year ago and was lukewarm about the motor. Fair amount of what sounded like worn valvetrain, and kind of general clattering under accelleration. 145k on the clocks- whatever... new pulley - new motor! Waaaay smoother in both sound and vibration. Best 1 banana repair yet!