How to Replace Serpentine Belt Idler Pulley 1996-2008 Chevy Tahoe

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

In this video, we're going to show you how to replace the idler pulley on this 1996 Chevy Tahoe with the 5.7-liter V8 engine. It's the same part in similar process on a large variety of GM vehicles, and it fits the Tahoes from 1996 to 2008. The items you'll need for this include: a new idler pulley from 1AAuto.com; a 10mm and 13mm socket and a ratchet with an extension; and a 3/8-inch ratchet.

First, we need to just remove this cable. Push back on that tab and pull the harness up and out. Next, you want to remove this series of 10mm bolts that line this panel. We'll just fast-forward as Don removes each of those. Now, lift that shroud up and off.

Now, using your 3/8-inch ratchet, just push it in to that square hole. Then when you push down on it, it will loosen up the tension on the belt allowing you to pull it free. Just start off by pulling off the alternator, and then carefully let the ratchet up, pull it out, remove your belt the rest of the way, and pull it over that fan. Your idler pulley is located right here, and it's held in with a 13mm bolt. Just go ahead and remove that. Once that's removed, the pulley will pull right off.

Take your new idler pulley and push it into place with the bolt already through it, and just tighten that bolt up. Now, to put the serpentine belt back on, you're going to want to use this belt routing diagram. If you don't have AC, you use the dash line. If you do, then you're going to use the solid line, and you just want to follow this and put your belt on in this order. It's kind of hard to show Don doing it, so we're just going to fast-forward as he fits it over each of the pulleys.

When all that's left is your alternator, put that 3/8-inch ratchet back into your tensioner, push down, put the belt up on the alternator, and then carefully release the ratchet and pull it out. Fit that shroud back down into place, and make sure all of your holes are lining up. We'll just fast-forward as Don replaces that series of 10mm bolts. Now, just push that harness back into that clip and push it down into place.

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.