Serp belt and pulleys

My truck previously lived on gravel road. It has 109 kmiles. Its due for a belt replacement and other 100 kmile maintenance.

Knowing the previous history and the abrasive nature of gravel dust, I'd like to replace the belt, tensioner and both idlers. I plan on a DIY project.

I checked prices at the local Toyota dealership. OMG!!!! Just the tensioner is $145. I looked at RockAuto, they have a "kit" with everything from ACDelco or Gates for $186.

My question is about the reliability of the ACDelco or the Gates as a comparison to OEM.
Has anyone used either the ACDelco or the Gates "kit"?
Is access to the tensioner and idlers difficult on a 4L V-6?

 

Gates are a better brand choice.

I would 100% change the 3 idlers and 1 tensioner pulley with a new belt using gates and a bando belt.

OEM does not sell the tensioner bearing on its own and you have to buy the whole arm. Each idler is usually 80$+

Edit, I see the complete tensioner is with the kit, but you can just remove the pulley.

Otherwise its a huge job, you have to remove the a/c and the alternator to change the tensioner arm.

 

Anyone have pn’s for the tensioner and pulleys and belt ?

 

This is for the Gates Kit from RockAuto.



I'm leaning towards the Gates kit.

Are you sure about removal of the A/C and the alt??

 

It’s all here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4-0-idler-pulley-replacement-oem-vs-gates-reference.516475/

 

Yes, its a bear, the tensioner arm doesnt usually fail, so take the bearing off and save the tensioner arm.

The a/c bolts onto the tensioner, I believe the alternator has to be loosened at the very least. It's not worth it unless theres an issue.

 

You can replace the bearing in the tensioner pulley with this Nachi bearing if u have a press or good vice.
5203-2NSL Nachi Double Row Angular Contact Bearing 17x40x17.5 Sealed

$40 5203-2NSL Nachi Double Row Angular Contact Bearing 17x40x17.5 Sealed

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045DWDJE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_sj-CFbAVQ7SDC
Much cheaper than buying whole tensioner

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I'll be going with the Gates Kit. I'll suffer the PIA to replace the tension assembly. I don't mind pulling bolts and loosening components.....it's just part of the process with cramped engine bays. The days of big engine bays like on my '71 Buick Electra 225 with the 455 cu.in are gone. I recall sitting on the radiator shroud with my feet on the valve covers working on the Rochester Quad. Many times I climbed into the engine bay on that land yacht.

In my professional life as a mechanical engineer, I have learned the importance of proper belt tension, pulley alignment and the detrimental impact of worn pulleys. A shredded belt with a blown pulley bearing on boondock highway needing a tow......is just too expensive in comparison.

BTW, the best source for bearings is the local Power Transmission Shop, these are the guys who sell pulleys, belts, gears, bearings.....anything dealing with power transmission. They will have quality bearings, SKF, FAG, INA, Koyo, Torrington......

 

thats a fact not many know about and should..