Im fairly confident that i have a bad belt from the squeeling that i have so im getting a new belt and idler pulley. im looking on rock auto and they have smooth and ribbed idler pulleys listed and im not sure which to get. My 01 has a smooth pulley but is there and advantage to the ribbed ones? will it even work? while im at it any suggestions on which brand or type of belt to get?

 

smooth pulleys are for the backside (smooth, flat) side of the belt...ribbed pulleys are for the inside (ribbed, grooved) side of the belt. Don't mix/match, your belt will slip

 

I'd go with Napa. They seem to hold the bar to a reasonable quality. I just put one in from Orielies....I don't like it real tight, never had an issue with the Napa belt I broke when the thermostat ear ended up breaking it. (it had fallen down in there). Anyway with it tight enough to work fine, it chirps. It might well clear up if I aped it tighter, but I'd rather put up with it chirping than put more stress on all those bearings. If it was squeeling I'd tighten it though!

& yes, X2. the ribs are for the ribbed side.