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American Motors Concord Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley Eccentric Cams

American Motors Concord Accessory drive belt idler pulley eccentric cams

Starting at low prices, AutoBuffy stocks multiple accessory drive belt idler pulley eccentric cams from top OE-quality brands. This cam-shaped pulley mounts off-center on an adjustable pivot, letting technicians rotate it to set precise belt tension without a separate tensioner arm. When it seizes, corrodes, or loses its adjustment hold, belt slip and accessory failure follow quickly.

Signs your American Motors Concord needs a new accessory drive belt idler pulley eccentric cam

  • Squealing or chirping noise from the front of the engine that changes pitch with RPM, indicating the belt is slipping across a frozen or misaligned eccentric cam
  • Visible belt wear concentrated on one edge, caused by the eccentric cam holding the belt at an incorrect angle rather than tracking it straight
  • Belt tension that cannot be properly set or that goes slack shortly after adjustment, meaning the cam body is no longer holding its rotational position
  • Roughness, wobble, or grinding felt through the cam pulley when spun by hand during a belt-off inspection, pointing to worn or corroded bearing surfaces
  • Accessory underperformance — weak AC, dimming headlights, or slow power steering — because a slipping belt cannot drive accessories at rated speed
  • Visible corrosion, cracking, or deformation of the cam lobe itself, which prevents accurate belt-tension adjustment and can cause sudden belt loss

Which accessory drive belt idler pulley eccentric cam should you buy for your American Motors Concord?

The eccentric cam's critical variables are material construction, bearing quality, and whether the replacement matches your engine's exact pivot-bolt pattern and cam offset dimension. An incorrect offset changes belt tension geometry and will cause premature belt or bearing failure. Start by confirming OE part compatibility for your American Motors Concord before choosing a grade.

OE-Equivalent (stamped steel cam, standard bearing)
Best for
Daily drivers needing a direct, hassle-free fit
What you get
Matches original offset and pivot geometry exactly; straightforward drop-in replacement with no belt-routing changes
OEM-Sourced or Dealership-Grade
Best for
High-mileage or high-load vehicles where precise tension is critical
What you get
Manufactured to the same spec as the original part; best assurance of correct cam offset, bearing clearance, and coating
Heavy-Duty / Upgraded Bearing Version
Best for
Vehicles in hot climates, towing applications, or with a history of repeat pulley failures
What you get
Reinforced sealed bearing and corrosion-resistant cam body extend service life beyond the original design
Kit (cam + belt + hardware)
Best for
Complete drive belt service or when the belt is due for replacement at the same time
What you get
Ensures all tensioning components are new and matched; eliminates the risk of a new cam being paired with a glazed or stretched old belt

Replacing the accessory drive belt idler pulley eccentric cam on a American Motors Concord

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hoursSocket set and ratchet (metric and/or standard)Breaker bar or long-handle wrench for cam rotationBelt tension gaugeSerpentine belt routing diagram (often on underhood sticker)Torque wrench for pivot bolt

Begin by relieving belt tension — either at the existing tensioner or by loosening the eccentric cam pivot bolt — then remove the old belt and unbolt the cam assembly. Install the new cam, route the belt according to the underhood diagram, and rotate the cam to bring belt tension into the manufacturer's specified range before torquing the pivot bolt to the specification listed in your American Motors Concord's service manual. Always confirm the belt tracks straight and centered on all pulleys before starting the engine.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace accessory drive belt idler pulley eccentric cams on a American Motors Concord?
The part alone starts at low prices at AutoBuffy. Add shop labor — typically one to two hours at local shop rates — and the total repair cost varies by region and whether the serpentine belt or related hardware is replaced at the same time. Doing it yourself keeps costs to the part price only.
What is the difference between an eccentric cam idler pulley and a standard idler pulley on a American Motors Concord?
A standard idler pulley spins freely on a fixed axis and simply redirects belt path. An eccentric cam idler pulley mounts off-center on a pivoting bolt, so rotating the cam body physically moves the pulley closer to or farther from the belt, providing precise tension adjustment. The eccentric design replaces or supplements a spring-loaded tensioner on specific engine layouts.
Can I drive my American Motors Concord with a bad eccentric cam idler pulley?
You should not. A seized or loose eccentric cam allows the drive belt to slip or run misaligned, which accelerates belt wear and can cause the belt to fail entirely. Belt loss means immediate loss of the alternator, power steering, and water pump — leading to a dead battery, loss of steering assist, and engine overheating within minutes.
How often should the accessory drive belt idler pulley eccentric cam be replaced on a American Motors Concord?
Most manufacturers recommend inspecting the eccentric cam and its bearing every time the serpentine or accessory drive belt is replaced. In practice, the cam bearing typically lasts several belt replacement intervals, but any roughness, corrosion, or inability to hold adjustment is cause for immediate replacement regardless of mileage.
Do I need special tools to adjust or replace the eccentric cam on my American Motors Concord?
The pivot bolt usually requires a standard socket or wrench, but the cam adjustment itself often involves rotating the cam body with a breaker bar inserted into a cast slot or hex fitting on the cam. A belt tension gauge is recommended to confirm correct tension after adjustment. No specialized pullers are typically required for removal.
Will any eccentric cam idler pulley fit my American Motors Concord, or does it have to be vehicle-specific?
It must be vehicle-specific. The cam offset distance, pulley diameter, belt-rib groove count, and pivot-bolt thread pitch all vary by engine. Installing a cam with the wrong offset will place the belt at incorrect tension or misalign it laterally, causing rapid belt and bearing wear. Always verify fitment using your American Motors Concord's year, make, model, and engine size.

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