93 4 runner- I'm replacing the water pump. How do I stabilize the pulley to keep it from turning to get the bolt off? Is it typical counterclockwise turn to remove? Holding belt tight doesn't work and pulley just keeps turning....Thanks

 

A quick hit with an impact tool (electric/air) will remove it easily.

They do however make strap wrenches/chain wrenches suitable for holding pulleys during service.

It is a typical threaded nut.

-Counterclockwise to remove.
-Clockwise to tighten.

If you have an old drive belt your not currently ever going to use again then there is another method.

-Obtain a used drive belt and wrap it around the pulley to be service VIA the power steering pump pulley. Bring the belt together at one end and clamp down with a pair of locking pliers(VISE GRIPS) and use this as your holding device for servicing of the pulley.

 

Although I'm sure it is not recommended, I used a big pair of channel locks on the back side of the pulley and a ratchet and cheater bar on the bolt to get it off. I had to have some one hold the channel locks while I cranked on the nut. On the '88 V6 the radiator is in the way and you can't get a straight shot at the nut with an impact wrench. Tried the strap wrenches, old belts, t-shirt method. Had to resort to brute force. It chewed up the back of the pulley a little bit, but not bad. Make sure to get good bite so you're only chewing up one spot.

And once you get the nut off, you've got to get the pulley off. I recommend going to Auto Zone or O'Reilly's and renting one of their pickle forks. It takes a good deal of finesse to get that bugger off. Use some antisieze when you put the pulley back on.

 

Most often I break the nut loose with the belt tight .

With the vehicle in gear E-brake on.

 

You should be able to put the truck in gear (std trans) an turn the bolt loose.

 

I'm going to have to disagree with the claims of easy removal. They're usually a major PITA to remove. I had to take a cold chisel to mine. You might try a nut splitter. But I don't know if you can fit one on the nut. The pulley might get in the way. Worth a try if you already own one. And probably still worthwhile even if you have to go and buy one. Since if it doesn't work there, they're damn handy to have around for other things that tend to come up. And not really very expensive.

 

Just for fun I went and took one off the 3.4 pump for my swap .

it came right off with the impact on the bench .

I must say then pulley itself is quite rusted.

 

Use two 12mm box/open end wrenches, If the last one wont brake loose then use a long screwdriver across two you have already loosen to hold the pully fast.

 

Exactly my thoughts and I used same exact method as he did. Mud & Me need to hang out lol

 

I have to now wonder what the OP was talking about.

The pulley on the power steering pump . the tensioner on the belt or the nuts off the fan clutch

why you would need to remove the power steering pulley to change a water pump

 

^-- My thoughts exactly but I figured I would try to supply some friendly information/advice without being insulting