I am trying to replace my AC idler pulley and power steering idler pulley on my 1987 4Runner 22re. Reading through the posts, I found that I can get a bearing for the PS idler pulley and not have to pay as much. However, the idler pulleys I have do not match any of the pictures on here, or parts sites. I don't have the clip on the back to hold in the bearing, instead, there are ears holding in the bearings. Both pulleys look the same. Does anyone have a picture of an AC and PS idler pulley side by side? Are my pulleys correct/aftermarket/repairable? I bought the 4Runner in 1995, and this is the first time I have dealt with the idler pulleys. They are making scary sounds, so I want to replace them before they start eating belts.

Back of pulley, both are the same.

PS idler pulley

AC idler pulley

 

Those look like the cheap ones you can get at a lot of auto parts stores. Cheap in both cost, and in quality, if you see what I mean. They come with the bearings already installed, and are made to just be removed and thrown away when they go bad. If they're making scary noises, it's definitely time to replace them. Since it doesn't look like you can get the bearings out easily, you'll have to get a pulley with the bearing already installed. OR, a pulley and bearing separately, and press it in yourself.
Not difficult to do. Just put the pulley down on a wooden block, and place the bearing in place. Use a socket about the same diameter as the outer race of the bearing, and a hammer, and tap it into place. Unless, of course, you have access to a press
If you go with OEM, which I would do without a doubt, they may come with a bearing already pressed in, but it should be replaceable. Check with your local dealership, and get an OEM pulley or three. I carry a spare around with me for if problems arise when I'm away from home.

Hope this is some small help to ya...
Pat☺

 

That's what I was afraid of, being cheap. Thanks for the reply and info, now I have an idea what I need to purchase to make it right.

 

Possible to find the idler with replaceable bearing at the junkyard. Then, replace bearing as necessary.

 

Those pulleys might be factory replacement parts. The "ND" on the pulleys looks like the old Nippon Denso logo from back in the day.

At least one of the current OEM Toyota Power Steering idler pulley part numbers for our Trucks is also a non replaceable bearing type, just like in the pictures above.

Why did Toyota switch the design? I don't know.

Like millball said above, I would try to find a used original OEM pulley with the replaceable bearing and replace the bearing as needed.

 

Rock auto has bunches of them from $6.12 to about $18.

 

I bought the bearings online and presses them in both idler pulleys.