Idler Pulleys and Tensioner: Would You Replace All?

[4'running'26]

Hi, all.

I'm over 250k miles now and starting to get a little whine that I believe is coming from one of the idler pulleys. I figure before an 8000 mile road trip this summer I might as well replace all the pulleys. Would you replace the tensioner as well? Anything else I'm missing?

I already replaced the serpentine belt a couple years ago.

Thanks!

JT

 

[chrisridebike8]

I would. I generally replace the belt, tensioner, and pulleys all at the same time and usually do it every 90k miles. If the belt lets go, it can often take other things out with it like expensive sensors or wedge itself behind the crank pulley and take out the front main seal.

 

[1000MPH]

It’s not too hard to release the tension on the belt and check for bearing wear. You can buy the parts in preparation if you want but the tensioner is almost $300 list price, I’m personally not replacing unless it’s really needed. I bought the three idlers during one of Toyota’s 20% off sales but I didn’t have a spare $200-$300 laying around for a part that I might never need. Those idlers are still sitting in a box.

 

[weberlukas74]

Hi, all.

I'm over 250k miles now and starting to get a little whine that I believe is coming from one of the idler pulleys. I figure before an 8000 mile road trip this summer I might as well replace all the pulleys. Would you replace the tensioner as well? Anything else I'm missing?

I already replaced the serpentine belt a couple years ago.

Thanks!

JT

Considering the miles and the whine, it's probably a good idea to swap out all the idler pulleys. And, if the tensioner hasn't been changed along with the serpentine belt in the past few years, it might be a good call to replace that too, just to be on the safe side for your road trip.

 

[4'running'26]

Thanks, all.

I'll start putting together a parts list and shop around.

 

[MossJenks]

Since this thread is so recent I figure I'll just jump on it.....

Can you replace just the pulley on the tensioner instead of the whole unit? I've seen one of he pulleys listed as for the tensioner but not everywhere.

I'm just not clear if I need to order that as well.

 

[1000MPH]

As far as I know, you can replace the pulley on the tensioner assembly but you cannot purchase the (genuine Toyota) pulley separately. I have not replaced this myself. You could also replace only the (non-Toyota) bearings on these pulleys if you really want to and if you have a press.

 

[AZ4ME]

There is no direct OEM pulley replacement for the tensioner. You have to replace the whole unit if you want to stick with OEM. If you are good with aftermarket, you can use Gates 36325.