Originally posted by ZeroHour:
No one has commented on my pictures I provided. so I figured I'd bump up the thread and see if anyone has anything to say.

I'm thinking of maybe replacing the idle pully and tensioner pulley. How hard is this to do, and while i'm at it should I replace the belt?



I have a 97 2.5L and just recently had a similar problem, I checked the local parts houses for my idler pulley, but all were incorrect. I ultimately got it at Ford, for $20, and it took care of my trouble. Use a 3/8 breaker bar to release the belt tension from the pulley, and remove the center bolt... it will slide right off. I went from underneath with the r/frt wheel off, and the lower plastic splash guard removed. Look at the belt, to determine replacement... how long has it been running with that belt?

Jack Oviatt 97 Contour V6 , 5-speed 90,000+ miles