Idler Pulley Troubles

*Disclaimer*
Rather than senselessly bitching that Toyota failed to make a stupid proof truck, I'd instead like to request information from those who have experience with this issue and see if we can figure out a possible solution.


Gentlemen, I do (on occasion) take the truck out for a good romp at a local offroad park. I don't do anything TOO crazy since I'm all stock for the time being and it's my only vehicle. That being said, I do get the truck fairly muddy sometimes and the trail has some moderately deep water I do enjoy.

My situation is this, after a day of going through mud or water I find that my truck idles/runs louder. I think the problem is more due to water than mud. This noise is due to an idler pulley failing. Yesterday I had the pulley replaced for the second time. Toyota was cool about it and honored my extended warranty (thanks Toyota!).

Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so, is there something I can modify to make the truck more resilient to this type of driving? For example, the rear diff breather mod needs to be done to prepare the diff for deeper water. Is there anything I need to do to keep from killing these idler pulleys?

 

Make a shield to keep it from a direct hit from mud and water?

 

Maybe buy the gates one and try your luck with it. Just had to install one myself.

 

linky to purchase place cheapy please

 

this?????
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

 

Thanks for the responses guys! Are there any aftermarket ones (like the Gates) that might be a bit more resilient to torture driving? Seems like it's a common problem (now that I asked) and I'd think there would be a way to keep it from happening.

 

I believe people have reported better luck with the gates pulley but I couldn't say for certain. I think I got mine shipped from rock auto for like 24 bucks or something.

 

Baller, I'll check it out. Not sure how to install it but I'd certainly give it a try if it's that cheap. I might keep one around "just in case" lol

I appreciate the help guys!

 

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/foru...154-idler-pulley-bearing-failure-what-do.html

 

Everyone, I owe Max a beer if he comes to the DFW area. You can quote me on that!

 

Nah, no big deal!

Cheers!