OK, thanks very much.

 

I changed ours at about 100K miles. CR-V and wife's minivan, too.

 

I just replaced the Idler Pulley last night. Besides the pulley, there is the bolt, the front dish-shaped cover, and a flange/set-off piece that holds the pulley off from the engine wall (it can fall out easily). The front cover didn't work with my aftermarket pulley so I replaced it with a large flat washer.

I did everything, including the belt, from the top. I put an adjustable (worm-drive) hose clamp on the pulley big enough to have a tail to hang onto and lower the pulley into position. Then I used a spring-loaded pick-up tool to insert the bolt and washer. I was able to reach around from behind the engine to just barely get the bolt started with my fingertips. I wish I would have thought of this when I was removing the pulley.

When installing the belt from the top, get the belt into the right bottom pulley first; then the left bottom and idler pulley. Finally, work the belt up the right side to the alternator pulley (which is the smallest). I got the belt onto this last pulley part-way and then, with the car in neutral, turned the engine with a wrench to spin the belt onto the pulley. Unless you are a pro, you won't get the belt on the first time...or the second time....

 

For the folks looking for an aftermarket pulley, FEBEST 0387-GD fits with the oem pieces.

 

I realize this reply is three years late but someone might benefit. In climates where road salt is used, lots of stuff under the hood can seize up from corrosion. Both steel and aluminum are prone. I live in Rochester, NY where we average 100" snow a year and they salt most of it away. Horrible for metal survival...

On 5-24-17 RandomKoko asked:
How do you move the alternator? Seems mine is stuck? My bolt A, B and C are loose.

I freed my alternator up by banging on an 18" length of wood 2x2 with a one pound mechanics hammer on the alternator ear that bolt A goes in to. Direct the force angled towards the rear of car and it should move. You can also pry against alternator with a sturdy stick of wood using another chunk of scrap wood as a fulcrum. Be careful to watch and see that your fulcrum isn't moving whatever sturdy part you use.

 

This guys video was a lifesaver, shows a way to loosen the B bolt(alternator bottom bolt) from the top. Mine was frigging tight and no ways I could loosen it from the bottom.