How To Replace Idler Pulley 1997-99 Buick LeSabre

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Hi, I'm Don from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.

In this video, I'm going to show you how to replace an idler pulley on a '97 Buick LeSabre. It's got the 3.8 liter engine. It's going to be the same operation for a '97 through a '99. In order to do this, you're going to need a 15 millimeter socket and socket wrench, and a new pulley from 1A Auto.

The belt tensioner pulley is right below the alternator, the alternator being here. Here being the belt tensioner. I'm going to use a 15 millimeter socket and socket wrench to loosen up the tension on the belt. Once I've got that, slide it off the alternator pulley. Then go ahead and take it off your idler pulley and rest it aside.

Here what I'm doing is using that same 15 millimeter socket and socket wrench, putting it on that same bolt that we used to release the tension on the tensioner, but I'm turning in the opposite direction so I'm going clockwise. It's a reverse thread bolt, and we're going to go ahead and take that out. Go ahead and pull the pulley off.

Here we have the old part, and the new part from 1A Auto. It's the exact same and it'll go right in the way the other one would. I'm putting the pulley back on, and I'm going to reinstall the washer and the bolt. Remember, it's reverse threaded, so you would turn it counterclockwise to put the bolt back in.

What you're going to want to do now is snake your belt back on top of your idler pulley. In case your belts might have fallen off the other pulleys, here's a quick diagram that shows you how to put it back on correctly. Make sure it hasn't fallen off any of the other pulleys, being the water pump or the crank. Once you know that it's all aligned, take your 15 millimeter. I have the belt set on top of the tensioner, and what I'm going to do is I'm going to pull up and then I'm going to push the belt on top of the alternator, or onto the alternator pulley. Now just look down inside and make sure that your belt is correctly on all the pulleys.

We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.