well i wasnt sure because i changed the belt and it seems like its spring loaded... it was hella hard to pull it back to get the belt on and offRemove the belt then find the socket that fits the idler pulley and turn it counter clockwise to remove. Same goes for the tensioner pulley as well. Some of these engines may have two idler pulleys. I generally recommend changing all the sealed bearing pulleys at the same time. Most often if an idler or tensioner pulley is squealing the other pulley(s) will follow shortly.
so what your trying to say is its going to be hard as hell and probably tear my hands/arms all to hell right?Longer handle break-over bar or a belt change tool set works much better.
On the tensioner you may spring load the unit as you are working on breaking loosen the bolt that holds the pulley on. I have sheared one tensioner bolt on a 3400 engine and it was not fun changing the tensioner unit out, it had the coolant heater core tubes built in. But the pulley was bad and had to be replaced anyway.
personally i dont like gloves.... probably should though.... wouldnt have as many scars.lol.Most often not but can be at times. Do recommend wearing gloves if you can. I have a few sets of mechanic gloves and they have saved my hands many times.
thanks bub. appreciate all the helpNo these pulleys use standard threads so yes go towards the firewall to remove.