Hi everyone,

Just got my first S10. It's 1989 2wd

The tensioner/pulley is making a racket.

I think it's the bearing in the tensioner pulley.

The guy at Autozone said that the pulley alone is $17 and the whole unit combined is $50. He said the whole lot should be replaced if there is any noticable movement on the tensioner when the engine is idling.

Questions

1) I can see maybe a mm or two of movement. Intuitively, I think that is normal, but should it be totally static?

2) What is the correct sequence for removing a) the pulley alone or b) the whole tensioner mechanism?

I need to get this sorted today if possible as I'm planning a longish trip tomorrow. Thanks in advance.