An idler pulley ensures that there are fewer vibrations in the engine drive shaft. This reduces fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and ensures that the parts of the drivetrain, such as the drive belt and alternator, last longer. If there is a flapping noise coming from the engine bay, especially while idling, it is likely cause by your idler pulley.
The idler pulley on your car is mounted on the alternator drive shaft. Without an idler pulley between the crankshaft and alternator, the irregular rotation speed of the crankshaft will cause your drive belt to become tensioned and loose intermittently. This causes significant wear on the drive belt and also generates a lot of noise. Additionally, the idler pulley reduces fuel consumption and allows for smoother driving.
Buying pulley tools
If you need to remove the idler pulley, it's important to use the correct tool. A special combination spanner for the idler pulley allows easy access and prevents the pulley from rotating when tightening or loosening the nut. If you don't know which size you need, or if you frequently work on different cars, you can opt for an idler pulley toolset. These sets contain combination spanners and sockets in various sizes, increasing the amount of cars they fit on.
You can order specialized pulley toolsets quickly and easily from Winparts. We offer choose a single combination spanner for a specific job, or a comprehensive toolset that fits multiple vehicles. Check the product description for the correct fit.