Red Dust? All Over Pulleys

I have this dull red dust type stuff all over my pulleys on my 01 passport. alot on the ac pump and then some on the rest of the pulleys. anyone had anything like this?

it is just rust that flys off when the pullies are spinning. I have it too.

You have been wheeling in Moab. Just enjoy it.

LOL

Rust was the only thing I could think of too. Possibly dust from the a/c clutch but dont think so. The rust could be coming from the inside of the a/c clutch though. Also check the serpentine belt. When belts get old they dry out and can turn a reddish brown color.

The belt is old and cracked, i just got a new one but have not put it on yet. I will clean it all off and put on the new belt and see if it comes back. I wish i was mudding in moab!

i put on the new belt, but it has been so freakin cold i have not had time or warmth to clean the pulleys. everything seems ok. I have noticed one thing, for the last couple of months, when i am idleing my dash lights kinda have a slight dimming pulsing. not bad and it goes away as soon as i give it gas., It seems to be charging fine. another quirk, or the start of alternator problems.

It may be too late but the red dust was once my idler pully bearings and race,you will know when it lets go,good luck.Mine went in the dead of winter in a snow storm.Peace SF

Mine was from idler pully. Mechanic replaced it.

I had it replaced at 30K I think. Hasn't come back. I am at 99.5K now.

i changed the idler pulley, it was definitely bad,. i still have the red dust, but i cant remember if i cleaned it off or not when i put the belt on. At least that is working like it should now.