Nissan Repair: pully noise, nissan altima, noise question

Question
QUESTION: I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE. IT HAS 130K MILES. I THINK THAT ONE OF THE IDLER PULLYS IS BAD.WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHANGE FIRST.

ANSWER: Hi Albert -

My suggestion is to change them all as they are both probably the same age, but if you want to find the one that is bad, get a long screwdriver or rod, and hold one end against the pulley where the bolt is, and the other end to your ear. Listen for a loud grinding sound and you have found the problem. You can also get your hands on a mechanic's stethoscope, does the same thing -

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ARE THEY HARD TO REPLACE MYSELF OR SHALL I GO TO A SHOP.

Answer
Hi Albert

They are not hard to replace. Remove the drive belt and undo the bolt in the middle. I think it is 14MM. Once that is removed, the pulley can be replaced. Ensure that all the washers and spacers are replaced the same way as it was removed.

I think the hardest thing is getting to it.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin