idler pulley

I bought my 2003 Tacoma base in 2006 “certified” from Toyota with 59k on it. 125k now. About time to have the belts replaced. My idler pulley on cold start ups makes an intermittent grinding noise that stops after a minute or so. During those brief noises while starting out, I get a noticeable acceleration surge during. Should I see to this pronto (like very soon?). Am I risking a complete freeze up of the idler pulley any time now? Otherwise, there’s no noise when it’s running for awhile. I’m super cash strapped at the moment.

 

The pulleys aren't very expensive, and are easy to change out. You could get a decent aftermarket one for less than $20 on Rockauto, or the OEM one, which is around $40 dollars on ToyotaPartsDeal.

 

Ok. They don’t seize up? I’ll probably get more of a warning…or will I ? Did I mention I am flat broke? Hehe!

 

I've seen them go for quite a while. I've never seen one completely seize. I imagine it would have to be making an awful noise before it got to that point. That being said, I would just replace it. If you are truly hard up for cash, you could always try removing the pulley and putting grease into the bearing to see if that will buy you any more time, but it needs to eventually be replaced.

 

Carlson, if you are ambitious, the offending pulley's bearing may be repacked with grease by prying off the side circular seals.

 

It's a $9.50 fix to change out the 6301 2RS type double sealed bearing in the A/C idle pulley yourself. The OEM bearing in the pulley is usually a Nachi Japan:

$10 6301-2NSE9 CM NACHI Brand Ball Bearing | 12x37x12 mm | 2-Side Rubber Sealed | High Precision | Low Noise | Deep Groove

6301-2NSE9 CM NACHI Brand Rubber Seal Ball Bearing 12x37x12 6301 2RS 6301RS: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific.

EDIT: OP, verify the actual number on your bearing before ordering a new one. The 6301 2RS type bearing works on the 3.4L and 2.7L, but I am not positive that bearing works on your 2.4L. So be sure to verify your actual bearing number.

If your OEM bearing is making noise, the inside will probably look similar to this Timken 6301 2RS bearing which started singing.

 

I wouldn't pay $40 for a pulley just because the bearing is wearing out. I would do what Leid said in the previous post. A decent bearing (I always use Timken 6301 2RS bearings) runs around $10. Do it yourself and you'll save a lot of money (current labor rate is $100+ per hour).

Actually I've done this 3 or 4 times since 1990 by using a vise and a socket to push the old bearing out and the new bearing in. Takes about an hour from motor shut-off to motor restart to do the job. The hardest part of the job is the r&r of the splash plate under the front of the truck.

I wouldn't wait too long to do this job. They do get noisy!

Hope this helps!

 

Are we sure the 5-lug trucks use the same 6301 2RS idler pulley bearing?

I know the 6301 2RS works for my 4x4 V6, not sure about OPs 2.4.

 

Well, I completely overlooked that. You're right, the OP should check that first.

 

Good question. I have only changed the bearing on 3.4L V6, but never on a 2.4L. The pulley itself is the same on the 2.4L/2.7L/3.4L engines & I know the

$15 6301-2RS Bearing - Lubricated Chrome Steel Sealed Ball Bearing - 12x37x12mm Bearings with Rubber Seal & High RPM Support

6301-2RS bearing works with the 3.4L & 2.7L. AFAIK, the OEM pulley assemblies are only different because of the attachment hardware. If the OP was close by, I would find out what bearing is in his idle pulley myself.

EDIT: The idle pulley AND the 6301 2RS type bearing are the same on all 2.4L/2.7L/3.4L 1st Gen Tacos. And Jerad, thanks for asking!

 

In that case, totally agree with @leid that replacing the bearing yourself is the best bet. Super cheap, very easy job.

 

Can I get the pulley part number without removing it? That’s not an option. I assume a Toyota dealership would have that part number if given my truck specs? I could then cross reference it to various makers. I don’t have the tools, the means nor the inclination to repack the bearings nor anything else myself.

BTW, the AC pulley is $70, but the PS pulley is $407. (Dealership). Yikes! I’ll have to determine which one is making intermittent groaning/grinding noise on cold startups.

 

Toyota 88440-04030 should be the correct OEM pulley assembly for the 2003 Taco with 2.4L/2.7L 4 banger engine, but plug in your VIN to verify: 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley 88440-04030 | Toyota Parts (ourismantoyotaofrichmond.com)

 

An automotive stethoscope is the preferred tool for doing that. But it runs about $10 or so. Alternatively you can use a wire coat hanger maybe a screw driver instead - just press it gently against the bolt head in the center of the pulley while the engine is running (careful not to hit any rotating parts), and you'll feel the grinding/groaning transmitted into your hand if that's the source

 

Thanks to all. I’ll ask it be pinpointed using a stethoscope because the sound origin can be deceiving. The $400 cost for the PS pulley seems outrageous. I’m hoping it’s not that. I see non OEM’s going for a lot less. The AC pulley can be had for around $50, maybe less.

 

I think you're confused....the $400 one is the one that mounts to the front of the actual PS pump....

that does not have a bearing...its just mounted to the pump itself....
so short of the actual pump failing ,no bearing

That actual idle pulley thats adjustable is the $40 one, if you just get the gates replacement one....
this and the A/C should be the same....and these do wear out, bearings fail maybe around 100K plus..

unless they were over tightened at some time and caused pre-mature failure....
those you can just get the gates replacement with a new bearing already in it....

If the PS pump is failing somehow......you'd just swap that $400 pulley over to the new pump.....
or more than likely the new aftermarket pump would already come with it...

makes you wonder what a new oem pump is gonna set u back.....if it comes with a pulley thats $400 all by itself.........

any chance you get a free pump....with the purchase of a $400 pulley....
maybe they'll ever throw in a free rack...


this is the one I bought for a 98 2.7L....the ac one is same for ps one...

For Toyota Tacoma GATES DRIVEALIGN AC Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley a8 | eBay

 

Then…3 new belts and the one idler pulley (AC)? At 125k now, I deem it wise to get it changed. I bought this 2003 “certified” from Toyota in 2006 at 59k. They most likely changed the belts. I guess I’ll order the Bando 3 set. A couple of reviewers said one belt was too tight and he had to stretch it overnight, or that one didn’t fit. The eBay site listing shows they’ll fit my model and year. Most reviewers mentioning the same Tacoma as mine said they fit fine. Any recommendations or thoughts on Bando brand belts appreciated. Price a factor, of course. P.S. if I can’t replicate the intermittent noise due to engine not being cold, will a stethoscope tell the tale on a warmed up engine (grinding sound)?

 

Which engine do you have......freakin autozone sold me and lists for wrong belt for a 2rz/3rz.....2.4L/ 2.7L PS belt..... and I didnt pay attention and it was too late for a return...those dirty dogs....


HERE'S THE WRONG BELT.... 425k4

Duralast Belt 425K4 (autozone.com)
Effective Length 42.5in

If you tried to stretch and use that one.....it would most likely damage the pump or at least the idle pulley......and believe me I tried to make it work.....I dont like defeat...
Its 1 1/2 in too short.....to even make an attempt.....
.....little more than an inch on each side..


I believe this is the correct one.....at least on mine

https://www.autozone.com/cooling-he...ol/belt/p/continental-belt-4040440/190704_0_0
....440K4
Effective Length 44.0in
On autozone.com its says this will not fit my truck...they are so WRONG....

so even with the right belt....its still a very tight fit to get it on....

 

maybe toyota gives out of date, or inaccurate specs for the PS belt....
beats all....



Correct alternator belt...at least for mine....'340K5'
which is the only one that can leave you stranded...



and then the a/c one........Bando Belt 4PK870 (autozone.com) ...343K4

 

And by the way.....my idle pulley's dont and havent ever made noise or failed....

At start up......its the bearings in my A/c compressor that makes some noise,,,
just when its cold outside.....for about half minute until it warms up....

or is it the A/c clutch......dont know....

Its been that way for about 4 yrs now....