Opinions on Gates idler pulleys

[JEL]

So a couple of my pulleys are making noise, therefor I will be replacing all of them, including the tensioner pulley, as well as my factory serp belt. The local Napa has all the pulleys I need in stock, and the Toyota dealer has the Taco belt (much cheaper, same thing), so I'm wondering what you guys think about the Gates pulleys vs. OEM? I wanted to get this taken care of tomorrow, but for OEM I'd have to order a few things and delay replacing everything, which is fine I suppose.

Is it work buying OEM or do you think the Gates will be just fine for the long haul?

Thanks

 

[fdbyrne]

Since my OEM pulleys crapped out at 121k, I don't have a very high opinion of them. Certainly not enough to pay a premium to get a new set. I went with a complete Gates pulley kit from RockAuto and have been happy with it for the last 6 months.

 

[JEL]

That's kind of what I'm thinking, my OEM stuff is already making a racket at only 78k, so it must not be all that special....

 

[telum01]

Gates is an OEM supplier to a few manufacturers. I've used Gates hoses, belts, and pulleys on a couple of my cars with no issues. When the time comes for my 4Runner to need new belts and pulleys, I'll have no concern with using them again.

 

[paraordnance]

I believe my TB kit came with Gates pulleys and I did it couple years ago. I guess they hold up great so far.

 

[blackoutt]

I got a gates timing belt kit (because I trust their belts/hoses) and the timing belt pulleys appeared to be of high quality. The water pump that came with that kit however was marginal in quality and when I do it again I will be getting Aisin or OEM.

I also got the gates kit from rock auto for the serpentine pulleys. My originals were extremely loud at 95k and so far (on 1k miles) the new pulleys sound (or lack of sound) great! Quality in a side by side comparison was on par with OEM and for easy to replace components like these it doesn't really make sense to pay the premium for Toyota in my mind.

 

[iBison]

You can replace just the bearings and save 15% or more on your car insurance. :frisky: The last part isn't completely true.

 

[radlynx]

Gates pulley are good so far. I just bought and installed it today and torqued it properly. seems to be a good quality. my pulleys started to make noise at 110000

 

[Swimupstream]

After not being able to get the right bearing for the mod lower idler, I ende dup with a gates for the lower. Works just fine. Unfortunately realized that wasn't my problem... and here I am replying to old posts.... hopefully a little revival.