[jscorse]

Ok,
I've removed both 'external' belts to prove to myself that the air-c belt and alternator belt idler pulleys aren't the cause of the mysterious "bearing squeal" on start up. I know it's a bearing but I don't know which one and I don't want to wait for the t-belt to shread when one of them decides it doesn't want to spin anymore.

It must be one of those four idlers pulleys because the tensioner pulley is less than a year old.

So.. I snooped around (haven't been here in quite a while) and found plenty on changing the t-belt. I'm skeptical of the crank pulley removal tricks, but I'll give it a 'whack' so to speak. I've already broken one of those Craftsman plastic strap wrenches. It'll go back tomorrow. It just doesn't seem like that big nut is going to budge easily.

My question is: Are those idler pulleys servicable or do they simply need to be replaced? I was quoted around 80-120 buck per pulley for the new ones. My plan is to check them out, find out which one is squealing and order the replacement. Naturally, they are not all the same and it'll take days to get the new one so I'll need to put the car back together again, because I can't be without my car for days.

Thanks all... this place is the best. I wish I could spend more time here like I used to.. but as they say.. life goes on.

Best,
Jeff