Over the past week I noticed some squealing in the front of the engine and based on previous experience figured it was the idler pulley/belt tensioner. This morning on the way to work it sounded like I ran over something and then my "battery not charging" light came on and then I lost all power steering. I was kinda surprised how quickly the tensioner went so PSA - if you hear a noise like that, deal with it immediately. Crazy...

 

I just changed my belts today because of squealing. Nothing wrong with any of the pulleys, etc, just the belts looked worn. I guess I'll wait and see if the squeal returns.

Jeez, what a job and a half.

 

I guess, given time they fail- I haven't heard of one coming off though!

 

it appears as if the bearing failed, heated up and melted the pulley. The new tensioner is all metal... #lessonlearned