2TR-FE 2.7 Idler Pulleys

Hi everyone, I'm not quite sure where this should be so I apologize if this isn't the right spot.

I haven't found any solid information on replacement bearings/pulleys for the idler pulleys on 2TR's so here's a quick guide.

Idler Tensioner Pulley ONLY (Toyota PN 16603-75010 got from dealer for around $40)
Everyone wants to sell you the whole assembly but Toyota will sell you just the pulley. If you would like to save even more money you can press out the old bearing and replace with this one. (https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p20084022/62032RSC3-Budget-Rubber-Sealed-Deep-Groove-Ball-Bearing-17x40x12mm/product_info.html) This is the same NSK bearing per Toyota's spec with the exception of the Viton seals. Viton seals are more gas/solvent resistant but I think this bearing is more than sufficient at around $5.

Top Idler Pulley
I got Gates replacement PN 36147 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1288663&cc=1441506&pt=6956)
I don't have an OEM pulley in front of me but the bearing dimensions on the Gates are 17mm ID x 40mm OD x 24mm Width. From what I could find this is a sealed double row angular contact bearing like this one (https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p...act-Ball-Bearing-17x40x24mm/product_info.html) I'm fairly confident that this bearing would work but since I didn't purchase the OEM part here I can't guarantee.

Bottom Idler Pulley
I got Gates replacement PN 36614 (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7997260&cc=1441506&pt=6956)
Again as I didn't order an OEM replacement I can't confirm the OEM spec'd bearing but the Gates replacement has QTY 2 of NTN 6303ALAX10 [dimensions are 17mm ID x 46mm OD x 14mm Width (QTY 2 makes this 28mm wide)] I found someone on ebay selling 10 packs for $30 if you want to stock up/resell but couldn't find them individually anywhere. (https://www.ebay.com/itm/333209925256)

I have to assume Toyota is only using quality bearings like NSK, SKF, or Nochi in their OEM parts. Key takeaway is that aftermarket replacements do NOT always use the same bearings (never heard of NTN but it's likely lower quality than NSK) The OEM pulley was only a couple of dollars more than the aftermarket so do yourself a favor and buy the OEM replacements or replace the bearings yourself. I'm sure these Gates replacements will be fine but OEM is basically the same price.

 

Good info; I have partial info for the I4 on my thread for the v6 engines. I'll put a link to yours.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...arings-in-the-idler-tensioner-pulleys.480961/