New pulley every time?

[scooter2374]

So I've had my 4th gen for 8 years and in that time replaced the upper idler pulley twice with a 3rd on order from NAPA. All 3 times it started chirping like a bird in heat after I drove through moderately deep water. What I want to know is, do you guys that take your rigs offroading keep a couple on hand at all times? Is there something I can do to keep this next one from screaming at me after it gets wet?

 

[Synister]

The problem is that the factory bearings are not sealed so water can easily get in and ruin them. Im not sure who makes the NAPA pulleys you are using but check out this thread for more info on aftermarket solutions with sealed bearings.

Idler Pulley/Bearing Failure, what to do: - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

 

[scooter2374]

Thanks for the link. I'll have to check into it.

 

[blackmax]

The problem is that the factory bearings are not sealed so water can easily get in and ruin them. Im not sure who makes the NAPA pulleys you are using but check out this thread for more info on aftermarket solutions with sealed bearings.

Idler Pulley/Bearing Failure, what to do: - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

I was told the same thing....paid for a replacement, TWICE.....but the chirp came back. Then, I replaced the serpentine with a GATORBACK....and the problem went away forever. It's most likely the belt.

 

[JB.]

I was told the same thing....paid for a replacement, TWICE.....but the chirp came back. Then, I replaced the serpentine with a GATORBACK....and the problem went away forever. It's most likely the belt.

That's interesting. I've been under the impression that gatorbacks are noisy.

 

[jwyshrek]

It *was* when I had put one on my former vehicle (Olds Alero)...it sounded like I had a supercharger. Maybe he is talking about the belt being quiet after it gets wet. The way the gatorback is designed, I can see it getting rid of the water faster than a regular belt.

I think there was another guy on this forum that had squeak/chirping issues...he was using Dayco belts I believe, but as soon as he put on an OEM belt, the noises stopped...as far as I know. There was something about the aftermarket belt being slightly narrower than the OEM belt, but not sure...