You might run into this if you need to change you serpentine belt. I was in a haste and ended up breaking mine on BOTH cars. Idiot. I know. So, before you start loosening the tensioner, idler puller, whatever you wanna call it, be sure to loosen both top and bottom bolts. bottom bolt is the pulley.
The problem here is that guide rod on the pulley for the tensioner bolt is made of plastic, so it's very easy to break. My local Subaru dealer quoted me $110 for the whole assembly, which includes the bracket, pulley, and guide rod. Claims you can only buy it that way. Most good online OEM retailers will sell it to you for $60. Do yourself a favor, take it apart yourself and just replace the guide rod. Give them part number 73134AC001. This works on most Subarus, so it will fit both my 04 WRX and 00 Outback. Part is about $5.50-7.00.
If you mess up and remove the bracket before loosen the pulley bolt, it will be very difficult to break the bolt loose. Take a ratchet or wrench, and face the handle in line with the bracket and wack it against concrete block or something. Should be enough force to tap it loose.
The problem here is that guide rod on the pulley for the tensioner bolt is made of plastic, so it's very easy to break. My local Subaru dealer quoted me $110 for the whole assembly, which includes the bracket, pulley, and guide rod. Claims you can only buy it that way. Most good online OEM retailers will sell it to you for $60. Do yourself a favor, take it apart yourself and just replace the guide rod. Give them part number 73134AC001. This works on most Subarus, so it will fit both my 04 WRX and 00 Outback. Part is about $5.50-7.00.
If you mess up and remove the bracket before loosen the pulley bolt, it will be very difficult to break the bolt loose. Take a ratchet or wrench, and face the handle in line with the bracket and wack it against concrete block or something. Should be enough force to tap it loose.