Need to know if you have a Detroit, Cat, or Cummins engine in order to answer this. As for the idler pulley itself, it's pretty simple to locate - it's the pulley which only spins, and doesn't actuate a pump, alternator, compressor, etc. Removing it is as simple as loosening the belt, unbolting it, and installing it in the opposite order.
Freightliner dealership.
yes it is!
From a standard socket wrench, the square part that fits inside the socket also fits in the center of the idler pulley (rather than buying a special tool that does the same). Fit the socket wrench (without the socket) in the idler pulley and turn to move the idler pulley and loosen the belt. Remove he old belt. Move the idler pulley again and put the new belt on. The diagram for the belt is on a sticker under the hood on the body above the grille.
It is a idler pulley.
put a wrench on the idler pulley and crank it counter clockwise. that'll slack the belt enough for you to pull it off. make sure you are able to route the new one properly either by making a diagram or finding the oem diagram near the radiator. btw way the idler pulley is attached to the alternator and is flat. it doesn't drive anything so there is nothing attached to it other than the bracket.
There is a small bearing in there and sometimes they just fail. The bearing can't really be changed so you'll have to buy a new or used idler pulley.
The idle or pulley will have movement in it, when the engine is shut off. It can also have a visible wobble while the engine is running.
Take off belt, remove bolt in center of pulley, replace with new pulley (comes with bearing). Reverse to install Take off belt, remove bolt in center of pulley, replace with new pulley (comes with bearing).
When It no longer hold proper tension if the belt is squeaking then it is probably time to change it
how do you align the crank pulley in reference to the cam pulley on a 2002 escort?
98% of the time it is the tensioner or idler pulley. With engine off take WD 40 with that little plastic tube & spray the back side of either one, idler or tensioner pulley, not both. Take a drive & if you still hear the belt noise then it is the pulley you didn't spray. The tensioer pulley is replacable on most dakotas. When you remove the belt the tensioner should have strong spring action & move smoothly. If it does then just replace the pulley. Some places will try to sell you the whole tensioner.
Have the charging system tested, I'm thinking maybe alternator is over charging and causing the belt to slip on acceleration.