Would greatly appreciate any help. 2014 4Runner SR5 Premium. Part-time 4WD. 130k miles and plan to run this for as long as possible. Changing Serpentine Belt and figured best to replace original idler pulleys now. I’ve done several searches on this forum and can’t seem to get answers I am confident with. From what I know I need qty 2 of the top idler pulleys and qty 1 bottom idler pulley.

Question 1: It seems the top idler pulleys can be different part numbers depending on “model code” does this sound right? When I do a search on RockAuto it doesn’t mention this. I believe it does on Toyota Parts search.

Question 2: Reading some posts stating Toyota OEM pulleys are not sealed, thus fail more. Seems Gates brand is sealed and popular. I’ve always seen for SOME parts that Toyota was better quality. Any advice?

Question 3: Need the most help with this one. Researched this to death still not sure and local Toyota parts wasn’t confidence inspiring. I’ve been told it’s best to order the “plates” that mate with the pulleys as sometimes the old ones are corroded. I know there are different part numbers for plates on top vs bottom pulleys. Also, I’ve read other posts which state there are plates or washers that also are behind pulleys that should be ordered as well. I’m seeing only “plates” in the fronts of the pulleys but several posts I’ve read people are stating indeed there are “plates” in front and back of each pulleys for 5th gens but I’m just not seeing this.

Thanks for any help or advice everyone. Really appreciate the wealth of knowledge that the collective brings, outstanding forum here!

I hear you about local dealer's parts department being less than helpful. They should be able to show you an exploded parts diagram covering ANY part on your 4Runner.

Two suggestions.

First, go to the official Toyota parts web site at: Toyota Parts and Accessories - Official Online Store. There you can see the exploded parts diagrams to figure out what you need and the part numbers for the various parts.

Second, get the official Toyota repair manual at: TOYOTA 2016-2019 4Runner Repair Manual RM27F0U. This will show how all the parts fit together and any special procedures needed for disassembly or reassembly.

Check out Partsouq.com, they have very good diagrams and good delivery times for being international. They do ship genuine Toyota Parts and I have had good experience with them in the past.

That being said, if the pulleys look good you could probably just press out the bearings and take them to a local industrial supply and get them replaced. They are sealed, they're just not anything super heavy duty (just a simple rubber/plastic sealing side plate like most automotive bearings.) That's probably the cheapest and easiest route to go if you have the means.

I've had good luck with Camelback Toyota. I ordered parts for my 2000 Tundra from them. They had diagrams and were quick to answer all questions I had.

Personally I’d stick with OEM parts. That said I’ve never had a pulley go bad on a Toyota. 220k on a Tacoma and 100k on the 4Runner and climbing. Side note my supercharger came with Dayco pulleys and I’ve already had a bearing go bad on one of the pulleys in the first 10k miles.


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