AC pulley howling

[Stewie]

I went away for a 13 day vacation and when I fired the Ranger up it was making a squealing noise from the ac pump area. I am not sure what would have caused this but it is pretty loud. Is there anything I can do to fix this without replacing it. The A/C is blowing cold.
I have looked at all other noise sources and it is definitely coming from the A/C pulley

 

[Stewie]

Actually guys I took another look and it is the pulley that is beside the AC. I am not sure what it is called. The belt runs under it and it just seems to be a pulley with no function. I think it must have been from sitting for 13 days. It soaked it with oil and it seems to be OK now. I will probably have to replace it.
What is the actual name of this part and is it an easy fix.

 

[hondaxr650]

It's called an idler pulley. Tolally easy, just remove the belt and replace it.

 

[Stewie]

Replaced it and I am still getting a high pitched screech. Not at idle. I will replace the belt tomorrow, and then I hope it goes away.
The one I took off was kind of wobbly so I guess it might have contributed. I am thinking now that it might have been the belt all along. We shall see.

 

[Stewie]

Just for the record. The Goodyear Gatorback belt fixed it. It took me about 10 mins to R/R the belt. It sure would have helped if my dumb Haynes repair manual had just said to use a 15mm wrench on the belt tensioner. I feel a whole lot better that it wasn't the Alternator, or Air Conditioning.
For reference I have a 2002 Ranger with the 3 Litre w/Air. Goodyear Gatorback Belt #4060882.
Belt was $55 Can with tax, from Parts Source, and Motorcraft Idler Pulley 6L2Z*6C348*A, E-03 was $63 with tax. Ford Dealership.