The bottom nut

The pulley to the left

Geez, that looks bad no?


Yesterday, while driving home, steering got tight, battery light came on, thankfully was able to drive home, (which wasn't VERY far). Got home, a little smoke from the engine, opened hood, immediately found serpentine belt (replaced less than a year ago) broken. Upon further inspection found tensioner pulley a little snug. Today, took it off and it appears the bearings are bad. Now, my question is, do I have to replace the entire thing or just the pulley? I'm having a hard time getting that nut off and that's also the nut you use to release tension to change the belt. (Sorry for the slightly blurry pictures). It is the 1994 S10 Blazer Tahoe, 4.3L V6 OHV12V with the "W" in the VIN.

 

New should come as an entire unit

 

Yeah, just replace the whole thing. It's not too expensive and easy to put on

 

 

Thanks.
They just don't sell the whole thing around me, just the pulley. Would have to order one online. (Live in the PA mountains/boondocks). Then I wouldn't get it until next week, fish out of water until then. Seems like I may not have a choice.

 

 

So it IS suppose to come off. Really just wanted to know if I was wasting my time trying to unloosen something that wasn't suppose to be loose.
Thanks

 

 

So, new tensioner and belt. All good to go and back on the road. Thanks for all the help!