Idler Pulleys

[xjeepping]

Does any one know if the bearing will press out of the plastic/fibre ribbed pulley? Same bearing as the Smooth steel pulley. Bearing from ABC in Silverwater for $11. Has a whistle on trip back to Sydney from Melbourne. Found both bearings dry and cage in smooth pulley breaking up.

[senatorjohn]

I have replaced bearing in the plastic ribbed pulley. Easy to get out without breaking the wrap around plastic, but I can't remember the trick I used to fit the new bearing. Trimmed the plastic wrap around to about half of the wrap somehow on removal or installation. Seemed a nice tight fit when finished.
John

[xjeepping]

Originally Posted by senatorjohn

I have replaced bearing in the plastic ribbed pulley. Easy to get out without breaking the wrap around plastic, but I can't remember the trick I used to fit the new bearing. Trimmed the plastic wrap around to about half of the wrap somehow on removal or installation. Seemed a nice tight fit when finished.
John

Didn't understand what you meant by plastic wrap until I took a closer look. The bearing is moulded in with a retaining edge which would have to be removed on one side & push the bearing from the other. Decided to just get a new pulley from Supercheap. Gates 38009 for $23. Steel pulley bearing was an easy tap out & in with a lump hammer. Replaced the Serpentine Belt and checked alternator & A/C bearings as well. All good and no more noise.
The ribbed pulley looks to be not such good quality as the original with side flanges uneven width. Slightly different numbering inside ad well. Fits the belt OK though.