MadPuppy

Hello all,

New owner of a used 2007 ES 350 (149,000mi)
I had a squeal from the engine bay I diagnosed as the Serpentine belt.
I replaced the Belt no problem.
While in there I checked the idle bearings, and can see that the idle pulley to the left of the tensioner needs replaced.
2007 ES 350 serpentine belt diagram.
Bad pulley bearing (x)thing is I couldn't get the bolt off......
After putting it back together and now having just a slight squeal (especially when placing the car in gear) I realized the idle pulley may in fact be reverse threaded?
Can anyone confirm this for me? It's such a simple replacement I would like to save the $$ by doing myself.

**I also noted the idle bearing on the AC compressor also needs replaced, a bit tougher to access with a cross member in the way and hard to access bolts of the AC compressor (if I wanted to move it out of the way).
I think moving the Alternator out of the way would give me access to the AC compressor bolts on top side.
Probably have my mechanic tackle that one.

nevernu

this is all i could find. the removal seems normal and the install gives the torque values

MadPuppy

interesting, no mention of reverse thread....

Gonna have to get some PB blaster penetrating oil on it.

thanks Nevernew

Blue Moose Engineering

In which direction does the pulley run? Clockwise or counter clockwise? The threads are likely the opposite of that

ESh

Clockwise.

Blue Moose Engineering

Then it looks like both those idler pulleys spin counterclockwise and therefore, I wouldn't be shocked to find that the bolts are reverse thread. I have encountered that on some other cars in the past.

nevernu

you would think the factory manual would mention that on removal instruction if reverse threads were the case; id ask the dealer if there is some doubt

Blue Moose Engineering

If you tried to get the bolt off in the normal direction and it wouldn't move, why not try to get it off in the other direction? What's the worst that could happen?

jkayca

Shear off the bolt?

ESh

Wait. Maybe I wa not clear. The alternator rotates in clockwise direction. The ADP spins in counter clockwise.

If you want to replace it you need a strong air gun. There's was no way to release mine without it.

jagtoes

Doesn't matter they are normal right hand threads.