Idler pulleys bad?

2006, 135,000 miles. First belt was replaced at 70,000 miles and it looked fine. A third of the belt shredded away at 135,000 miles. Other than missing a third of it, the belt looks fine. Should I replace these idler’s? https://youtube.com/shorts/AUCssS1Loc4?feature=share

 

Absolutely. You should replace those idlers.

Kind of wondering if you are serious here. Lol?
Those things are bad, really bad.

 

Yes, being serious. All of them are bad? And thank you for responses!

 

Is this why my belt shredded?

 

Possibly.

The 2nd one you spin in the video, is the “best”.
But it is still noisy, you might as well replace it. It’s on it’s way out.
The other 2 are shot.

The idlers as a unit are expensive.
You could just buy the bearings.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...arings-in-the-idler-tensioner-pulleys.480961/

Remember the tensioner pulley is LEFT HAND thread.
So you’ll be “tightening it” to loosen the bolt.

 

Yeah that is the sound of a bad bearing. Change them. I will need to check on mine as well

 

Love this forum, thank you!!!

 

Is there anything aftermarket that is remotely close in quality to OEM? I’m not sure I want to attempt trying to press in new bearings. Those OEM belts aren’t cheap either, lol I already purchased that and don’t want to shred it.

 

The bearings sound like the grease has dried out. Spin each one slowly - they should spin smoothly, with no gritty feel. Also, try and move each pulley/bearing up/down, side-to-side, and fore/aft; there should be no play. Also check the bearings in the water pump, PS and alternator. Note that the PS may have some fore/aft play - from what I’ve read, about 1-2mm play is normal, but only fore/aft.

 

I always replace all idler pulleys and the tensioner pulley when replacing a serpentine belt.

OP, those all sound horrible!

 

Before I started replacing just the bearings, I always got good service life out of Gates pulley/bearing assemblies. See diagram below for part #s, which also used by AC Delco. The tensioner pulley/bearing is the only one not offered by Toyota nor most vendors. Last time I checked, only Febest offered a pulley/bearing - #

$36 0187-GRJ200 OEM 16620-31012

0187-GRJ200.

 

2 Week ago when my local 4x4 shop did my front suspension, i asked them to check the belt and the pulley. The belt had some time but was still surprisely good but all the pulley however where done. 3 idler was still moving freely with some play and some noise they can grenade anytime soon. The tensioner pulley was shoot bad, hard to move even with my finger, the cage inside where probably destroyed. Replaced all of them with Gates pulley with a new belt. 224 000 km not bad for original stuff.

I still have a faint bearing noise at cold start, disapearing quickly. We rotated the AC, alternator, ps and water pump and they had no play so still good i will monitor and inspect when thing get noisier.

 

I just noticed the fan and fan clutch are removed in OP’s video. Its not necessary to remove that nor the fan shroud to access the pulleys. It is easier to access from below. Remove engine guard and the two brackets.

 

Yup, Gates. That's what I use on my 1st Gen.

Good stuff.

 

When my belt shredded part of it ended up behind the fan, it also pulled off the oil cooler hose so I took that off to get a better look at what other damage might have been done. I also have a pinched nerve in my neck, looking down right now is a hell of a lot easier than looking up!

 

Awesome help... thank you!

 

Shouldnt hear any noise, id change tensioner too

 

You won't be pressing them in since they are already preassembled. You just need to bolt them back on.

 

Best to go OEM with the tensioner. Part number is 16620-31013.

 

Gotcha. My back makes it easier for me from the bottom. Lol. Hopefully, the belt shredded from old age and not due to misalignment of a pulley. Check that harmonic balancer as some are known to separate. Turn on engine for a minute or two and check that the HB doesn't wobble.