FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Idler Pulley(s) failure

I am now hearing my idler pulley or pulleys making noise in the mornings now, anyone here have the experience in changing them out? I really don't want to pay the inflated stealer rates. I read that you can just press out and install new sealed bearings into them, that would be my choice. Anyone?

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Permalink Reply by Cowboy on November 25, 2012 at 5:28pm

The old "Norm" was to get the three sealed ones from Napa. They are not that hard to change out at all. (If you know the trick) Underneath the "adjuster pulley" when you move it out of the way there is a small hole to put an allen wrench into (maintaining a loose belt)

REmove the belt then change the pulleys. Then replace the drive belt. (maybe an hour)

They might have a viable option on www.rockauto.com

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Permalink Reply by Cowboy on November 25, 2012 at 5:29pm

I still run OEM pullies. (second batch)

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Permalink Reply by Steve on November 25, 2012 at 5:29pm

Check the manual under Engine Mechanical about page 5.

EM-5

there are two different ones used. 2 upper and 1 lower.

If you don't use OEM and want the sealed ones, the Napa Part numbers are:

UPPER NO.2 NBH36173 $48.97 (two each)

LOWER NO1 NBH36174 $64.77 (one each)

YPMV

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Permalink Reply by Ranger Jim on November 25, 2012 at 5:32pm

Thanks Steve, I'll check that out and see if I can handle it.

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Permalink Reply by Cowboy on November 25, 2012 at 5:54pm

Your welcome :) Oh! The other Steve : / There is probably a good write up on the proceedure on the Blue Room.

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Permalink Reply by Ranger Jim on November 25, 2012 at 10:13pm

Actually I meant both, should have been Steve's, ha ha. Thanks guys, sounds like it's a project I can handle with a experienced pulley jockey helper. I'll pick them up this week and set out to do the swap end of this week.

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Permalink Reply by NestahEdition on November 25, 2012 at 8:24pm

Hey Ranger,

If you need another body, just give me a ring.- Nestah

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Permalink Reply by MoreFJland on November 25, 2012 at 6:31pm

This may help.

Attachments:

Drive Belt Components.pdf, 141 KB
Drive Belt Install.pdf, 75 KB

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Permalink Reply by DWH on November 25, 2012 at 7:40pm

A couple of years ago a bunch of people got together and changed them out. See below.

http://norcalfjs.com/forum/topics/its-a-pulley-party-91309

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Permalink Reply by Shaman Rawb on November 27, 2012 at 1:03pm

Is this sounds right at startup? I get a hard 'tug' sound sometimes when firing up, especially if I left the AC on.

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Permalink Reply by Ranger Jim on November 27, 2012 at 7:51pm

It starts right at start up in the morning and quiets down after I guess the bearings heat up. I'm going to pick up the parts on Friday but don't know when I will be able to do it, the rain is on it's way and I don't have a garage to do the work in when it's wet out.

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on November 28, 2012 at 4:20am

I have started to hear the same thing. I figured that it was the pulleys making some noise.. I guess after 107,00 miles it might be time to change them out..

Thanks for posting the part #'s. Saves me time of looking them up.

Tony