06 4.0 very snug idler pulley bolt.

So on my 06 4.0 Tacoma i found my idlers are about done and i need to replace the bearings. I found that the lowest idler bolt is really frozen and i fear im going to snap this bolt if i really crank on it. How often do these bolts snap?

I have a trick i have used in the past with other things. Going to take a drive and get the motor nice and hot then shoot the bolt with freeze spray to see if i can shock it free. Really dont want to get into the mess of drilling.

 

You are in fact referring to the idler pulley and NOT the tensioner pulley?
As the Tensioner Pulley is Reverse Thread.

If it is indeed the idle we are talking about.
You may need to use heat to get it free.
But I’d try a GOOD QUALITY - 6-Point - socket or wrench.

The link below has some good info.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...arings-in-the-idler-tensioner-pulleys.480961/

 

A lot of people must really mess that up. Its the #1 thing people ask or i find in searches when i looked this up. Yes its just a idler and not the tensioner.
For most things like this i try heat first but not being able to heat the threaded area but only the head would mean by the time the sort of heat thats needed to free a bolt reaches the threads the head and shank of the bolt are super hot. Making that area softer and easier to twist off. Thats why i was going to try rapid cooling first.

 

It's a bastard, I usually get a small torch in and a high quality snap-on socket. Once it starts to round heat is the only cure. I've seen the alternator bolt round on 4.0 as well.

My secret weapon is a small plumbers wrench, but I can't remember if it works on the 4.0 idlers. I used it twice doing 2UZ timing belts last week.

 

Tools to fit the bolt are not the problem. I really feel im going to snap the head off and shocking it free has done nothing to help. I feel like its a low grade bolt given how much it will flex under torque.

 

Then heat is the solution. Shocking it with a hammer while heating it will help. I've never broken this bolt but I have rounded heads before.

 

Torch