how hard is it to replace a pulley bearing?

I replaced my alternator not too long ago, then i started hearing grinding noises coming from the alternator/belt so i brought it to a mechanic. they tightened down the belt for me and the sound went away then a few months later the sound came back. i brought it back to the same mechanic and they told me that if the sound keeps coming back it might not be the belt making the noises; it could be a sign of one of the pulley bearings going bad.

 

I think what you mean is the tentioner pulley bearing to be exact.

All i can tell u is its a pain in the A$$ to change unless you have fingers like inspector gadget.

 

Having the right tools uaually proveils.
If it is a squeal it's your belts. Quick test spray silicone a little while engine is running on belts and if it goes away you nee new belts if they are cracked stretched ets. Now if it;s a grrr grind noise you grab a long screwdriver with the engine on and u put it on the pulley bolt 14 mil. Then u listen with the ear. If it's there then move to the alternator compressor etc and compare. The loudest one is it as noise travels slightly through belts.
To change pulley you take a wheel off then fendercover (plastic behind R/f wheel then loosen 14 mil screw half a turn then you lower the car and you will see a rod facing upwords 14 mil again and unfasten that all the way. That way you'll take tension off that belt. then u lower the car and u go to that 14 mil bolt u loosened first on the pulley centre and unfasten all the way with a wrench and pulley comes off.
Use the same rod and just observe the pulley washer placement and slap on new pulley but do not tighten all the way the bolt in centre. (just half a turn loose from tight so it can slide up and down when u tighten belts.. Install belt then tighten it from up top then tighten that nut in centre. Slap the wheel back and dont forget to tighten your nuts. Email or pm me if u have any questions.

 

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I'm kinda confused with what I do with the screw driver?

Thanks again for the help!

 

lol Well you get a long screwdriver or skinny bar etc. and you turn engine on. Now there are pulleys on that belt. You place that long screwdriver on a part of that pulley that does not turn like the bolt in the centre of the pulley and while holding on that you will feel vibration on your hand. Then while holding it there you put your ear on it and sound will travel through the screwdriver/ improvised tool u have and to your ear. You will hear it trust me. Now sound vibrations also travel through belts so don't stop at the first pulley and say aha i found you. Go test them all the same way and the loudest one is your cause. To test for compressor you have to place that screwdriver on the compressor body itself.
Tried to explain you to the best of my ability lol
And make sure you have a flash light and don't touch any rotating parts.

 

oh i get it

thanks for the help!

 

Bearing in idler can be replaced, don't need to buy whole thing. Save about 40 bucks. Simple press fit.