Hi all, I'm in the process of replacing my water pump and thermostat during which i spun the upper idler pulley and found it sounds like a worn out skateboard wheel. I started with my ratchet in a counter clockwise direction, but it is very tight. My question, before I use the 'breaker bar of the gods', is this the correct direction to loosen the bolt- counter clockwise?
The bolt has a limited strength. If you put too much force into it, it will break. Consider other alternatives, such as heating it with a torch or alternating tighten/loosen.
Also, check out this thread which asks and answers the same question
Found a different source to clearly answer this question. The upper and lower idler belt pulleys loosen counterclockwise. As they say righty tighty lefty loosey.