how much wobble in idler pulley?

[Tim Reynolds]

With all the posts about bad tensioner and idler pulleys, I decided to pull off my belt to see how they were. The idler (without the belt) has a small amount of play. It spins nice and free but I am able to move it a bit in and out as well as off axis. A strong straight up and down or left to right pull shows no play. Do you think this needs to be replaced? Only 43K miles.



The tensioner pulley feels like cheat plastic and it seems like it only has a bushing in it. Can the pulley and bushing/bearing be replaced without the entire tensioner?



BTW, seems like the easiest way to do this solo is to disconnect the intake flexible tube from airbox, move out of way, this give you free access to the tensioner from the top. Once you moved the tensioner enough take belt off tensioner with other hand. Put back on same way. I was able to do this with a standard 3/8" socket wrench.



Tim

 

[Hal S]

A slightly perceptible amount of play with no belt tension is normal.

The "test" is, does it run "true" and quiet when loaded?

 

[Tim Reynolds]

Thanks Hal, seems to run fine, the tensioner seems to make a bit of noise. It's hard to tell though.

 

[Teddy GreeneII]

Does anyone have a photo? maybe that's what's causing the noise lately. Thanks

 

[EddieS'04]

I recently replaced the idler on my mustang. The new has no wobble or run out on the bearing..IMO it will only get worse and the sealed bearing may eventually jump the race from wear and tear. The new idler from gates only cast me $7.