Hi, I'm a newbie here and have a question. Might be a dumb one, but here goes.
I have a '00 Rodeo V6 that I need to replace the belt on.
The idler pulley has a hex screw in the center and my question is, is it just a matter of loosening this hex screw to get the idler pulley to move and give the belt some slack?
I did a search and came up with zip, maybe didn't search the right key word.
Anyway, I ask because I'm real good at forcing something that shouldn't be forced and wind up making things a lot worse.
Appreciate the help.

Welcome to the Wire! You're about to learn a whole lot about your Rodeo if you stick around here.

No, don't mess with the screw. If you look for a bolt on the idler pulley itself, that's what to use (about 14mm or so). Here's a good pic to use:


Link To Good Pic

Thanks for the pic. I put a socket on that bolt and couldn't budge it, but I didn't try very hard. I assume it's spring loaded, I'll try it again with a length of pipe on a rachet handle.
Thanks again, and thanks for the warm welcome!

I am not sure on your vehicle, but many vehicles the idler pulley is attached with a left-hand thread bolt.

If the 2000 is the same as the 98 (should be) you want to go after the spring loaded tensioner pulley, it is the first pulley above and to the right of the alternator pulley. You put a socket and breaker bar on the bolt in the middle and turn it to the right, your not trying to loosen the bolt, you just putting a downward force on the tensioner to relieve presser on the belt.

That's what I meant to say, not the idler pulley. Thanks for catching that. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

One word of caution. Please make sure you put the new belt on the right way - by that I mean make sure that the ribs of the belt are not turned inside out. I believe the smooth side of the belt is supposed to riding on the idler pulley, the ribbed side rides on the crank pulley.

If you put the belt on 'inside out', it won't stay on very long, and will possible take some wiring out with it when it falls off of the pulleys.

Just a little first hand experience speaking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />