Hey there! I saw a recent thread about this topic but it didn't answer my specific question.

I have a 1997 SR5. This is the most tinkering I've ever done with the engine and so I'm for sure a noob!

I loosened the bolt that applies tension to the belt and pulley and removed the pulley. I purchased a new pulley and went to replace it today.

I slid the pulley onto the bolt that it rides on, then slid a dish-shaped washer thing onto it, and then put the nut on. There were no other parts.

My question is:

1) how hard should I torque the nut on (won't it keep the pulley from turning if I make it too tight)?

and

2) how much tension should I put on the belt?

I took a guess at each and I hear a slight squeak when the engine is on.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

One question - did you buy an OEM pulley or aftermarket? The aftermarket one I purchased, Dayco I believe from RockAuto, did not fit correctly, and is now in the trash. I then went to the dealer and purchased an OEM - the mounting surface was different and did not allow free spin.

I've not done it myself, but you might find this video helpful. It covers all of the drive belts including the AC belt.

Thanks - the pulley is not OEM. I got it from Oreilleys

Can't recall that pulley specifically, but typically the washer rides on bearing inner race and pulley will spin free with bolt tight. Google "torque values metric" if you want an exact torque value, or look in FSM, but not critical here. Lube up that adjusting bolt while you're down there if you're in the salt belt.

This video will help you out. You torque the AC Idler pulley nut to 29 foot pounds.

If you don't have a torque wrench (good tool to start with though) tighten the idler pulley so that the tension of the A/C belt matches the power steering and alternator belts. Press on a floating section of the belt with your hand then on the A/C belt. If too tight, loosen the bolt a little, if too loose, tighten the bolt.

Super helpful, thank you!

Thanks for the tip!

It looks to me like the dust cover (thing that site between the pulley and the nut) may not be necessary at all for the non-OEM pulley I bought. In fact, the dust cover may be pressing into part of the pulley that is supposed to turn when I tighten the nut. I'll try removing it, torquing the nut and seeing how that goes.