How to Change an Idler Pulley on a 2001 Mercury Sable

A bad idler pulley can cause issues with some of the major components of a 2001 Mercury Sable. The purpose of the belt is to run all the attached components off the main drive shaft. The idler pulley helps take the free play out of the belt path to ensure the components are run correctly. Replacing a bad idler pulley only take a few minutes as they are easily accessible.

• 1

  Ensure the car is turned off and the key is out of the ignition. Open the hood for access to the pulley.

• 2

  Locate the tensioner pulley under the alternator. Place a bare socket wrench into the square notch of the pulley and push it down. This will loosen the belt. Take the belt off the desired pulley.

• 3

  Unscrew the bolt in the middle of the idler pulley with a socket wrench. Pull the bolt, washer and pulley away from the engine.

• 4

  Position the new pulley where the old pulley was removed. Insert the bolt with the washer on the end of the bolt. Tighten the bolt with a socket wrench.

• 5

  Place the bare socket wrench into the square notch on the tensioner pulley and push it down. Slide the belt over the pulley. Allow the spring-loaded tensioner pulley to return back to its position. The belt will tighten as the pulley retracts.