Swap out your P/S idler pulley with your A/C idler

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Feb 23, 2010 | 06:52 AM
  #1  
With the bearing shot on my P/S idler pulley ('94 2.4L, 4WD Pickup), I soon learned that an after-market replacement is not available. $150 from Toyota for the replacement (which comes with the adjuster assembly,whether you need it or not!) You can rest comfortably with the fact that the easily obtainable A/C idler pulley (although smaller in diameter and with a smaller bolt-hole) can be readily substituted. Simply use the thick backer washer from your original P/S assembly BEHIND the A/C pulley and add another to the front---to maintain proper pulley alignment. The bolt hole on the A/C pulley happens to be the same I.D. as that of of the P/S idler with its reducer bushing in place. The A/C idler's smaller diameter is compensated for by the generous length of the adjuster bolt in the tensioning assembly. So, for clarification, the order of assembly from rear-to-front is: rear bearing guard, thick spacer/washer, A/C pulley, thick spacer/washer, front bearing guard, lock washer and finally the 14mm nut. The A/C pulley is available at NAPA for just over $30.
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Feb 23, 2010 | 06:59 AM
  #2  
I know on my 4Runner I can replace the bearings in the P/S pulley, which is what I did, couple bucks each at BAP Auto Parts (Part # PT204FF), here in Phoenix. The A/C pulley I had to buy the whole thing from the stealership.
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Feb 23, 2010 | 07:17 AM
  #3  
I have some assorted idler bearing pulleys in stock, just need to know the OD and ID of the bearing and the thickness.
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Feb 23, 2010 | 08:05 AM
  #4  
The bearing's O.D. is 1.851" (47.08mm) and its I.D. is 0.778" (19.74mm) Anything you may have in stock?
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Feb 23, 2010 | 09:05 AM
  #5  
Quote: The bearing's O.D. is 1.851" (47.08mm) and its I.D. is 0.778" (19.74mm) Anything you may have in stock?
Yes, have some of those in stock.
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Feb 24, 2010 | 10:38 AM
  #6  
It gets even better!
Cross referencing the original #6204DU P/S idler bearing came up with #129895 and also #1136653 (AGCO). As it turns out, this bearing is used on a dozen or more different mower decks in the spindle assembly. I just picked one up for $5.50 at the local mower parts store! So now I have a spare P/S idler to use after the next 100K miles!
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Feb 24, 2010 | 01:27 PM
  #7  
Toyota to Troy-Bilt, who knew
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Feb 24, 2010 | 04:06 PM
  #8  
Quote: Toyota to Troy-Bilt, who knew
aahahahaha nice, i would think they would use different bearings if it were that cheap, theres no way the price is dictated that much just because its on a mower deck isntead of on the front of an engine..
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Jul 15, 2012 | 11:04 PM
  #9  
why would it be in ones best interest to use a P.S. pulley instead of an A/C compressor pulley? Seems like the A/C pulley is only $23?

price : http://www.amazon.com/Gates-38031-Id...ar=1&carId=001

Part lookup: http://opticat2.net/NavigatesBeta/fr...e=Light+Trucks
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Jul 15, 2012 | 11:51 PM
  #10  
Those bearings are a common size and are easy to get from any bearing supplier.

I get mine from McMaster -Carr
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Jul 16, 2012 | 02:13 AM
  #11  
It appears that the pulley you specified in your link is for '95 and newer engines---and is for serpentine belts. The '94 and older pulleys were v_belt design. At the time of my original post, only the entire pulley assembly (with adjuster, et al.) was available...and that was only from Toyota at an outrageous price.
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Jul 16, 2012 | 06:19 AM
  #12  
I see. yeah i just found an a/c pulley for my 5vz for 30 but the p.s. is more like 100. I wonder if this would work for the 5vz?
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Jul 16, 2012 | 08:13 AM
  #13  
huh? The idler bearing is readily available and cheap. Mine siezed on the freeway last year. Made for a spectacle at 70mph with smoke pouring out of the engine bay as the belt was melting. I went to Napa on my lunch break and had it replaced in 10 minutes.
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Jul 16, 2012 | 09:51 PM
  #14  
Quote: huh? The idler bearing is readily available and cheap. Mine siezed on the freeway last year. Made for a spectacle at 70mph with smoke pouring out of the engine bay as the belt was melting. I went to Napa on my lunch break and had it replaced in 10 minutes.
Shh... don't tell anyone the part number.
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