[Fixed!] Help! Trouble Removing the AC Idler Pulley

I'm trying to remove the AC Idler pulley. I've done it twice in the past and I don't recall having any problems, but this time it's different and I can't remember exactly how I did it the last time.

So I loosened the adjustment bolt and found it to be loose, but the pulley is tight. I tried hammering the pulley upwards using a hammer and a 2x4 but I couldn't get it to move. Doesn't turning the bolt clockwise pull the pulley down thereby tightening the belt tension? I think it does, and so I think I should loosen the bolt a bit and then hammer it through a 2x4 to raise it. That will loosen the belt tension so I can remove the pulley. I thought I'd ask here before I go any farther.

 

Ahhh.... no, there is a nut on the backside that locks the adjustment in, 14mm IIRC.

 

Every one of the 5 or 6 times I've messed with these pulleys I've been stymied by why the belt does not loosen when I slacken the adjustment bolt. Yeah, I figure it out after a few minutes but can kick myself for not remembering.

 

Glamisman, where is the nut you wrote about? All I see is a bolt that kinda hangs down and to the rear of the truck.

NC Gazzer... I give up, why does the pulley not slide up to loosen the belt when you slacken the adjustment bolt? Let me know so I don't have to pay somebody $40 to tell me.There must be something locking the pulley in place. Maybe it's a different arrangement on your 2.7 engine than on my 3.4l engine?

All I can say is that was incredibly simple to remove and reinstall the pulley, but now I have not the foggiest idea what I'm forgetting.

 

Crap, on the front...

$18 uxcell Drive Belt Tensioner Assembly Accessory Idler Pulley No.8844026100 for Toyota T100 95-98 Black Metal

https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Tensi...OWP300U&gPromoCode=16232186991076776508&gQT=2

 

Well...

After my last post I went back outside and crawled under the front of my truck. I looked at the nut in the center of the pulley and thought, "That's my last chance". So I put the wrench on it and broke it loose. Voila!

The pulley was loose and after I raised it, it came right off. Ten minutes later and with a new bearing in it, it went right back on.
The whole job took 20 minutes. Now I know.

Thank you for replying!

 

Perhaps it is a bit different, but here's a pic. The bolt on the upper left detensions the pulley, but only if you loosen the bolt that goes through the center of the pulley first. That one locks the adjustment.