poor acceleration

[muthiahmerchant]

I have a infiniti i30 99 with 180000 miles. starting last week, while accelerating the car does not seem to move as usual. but once its reaches around 50 it drives fine. While idling there is a continuous whining noise. But happens intermittently. Didn't make a sound when took it to the mechanic. He said it could be the idler pulley. Could that be a reason for noise when idling and slow acceleration. I am planning to put some redline fuel system cleaner and change the spark plugs. my air filter are fine.

[loystock]

Your mechanic is probably right about failing idler pulley. It will become worse over time as the bearings in the pulley deteriorate. You can use a mechanic's stethoscope (or improvise with a long screw driver) to verify noise is from idler pulley. For safety, do not poke the mechanic's stethoscope into moving part. An idler pulley is mounted close to the alternator.

[muthiahmerchant]

In the I30 There is only one bolt that needs to be removed to replace the idler pulley right? Can I just remove that bolt swap it with new idler pulley and be done. labor at mechanic shop is 68 bucks