So my poor little 4Runner (1990, 3vze, automatic) has been sitting being rarely used for the last two years and now the thing that caused me to not be driving it is over and I'm trying to get it back on the road. Every time I fix something, the repair exposes a new problem. I've been chasing a noise down that sounds rotational in nature. I replaced the AC idler pulley that was really wobbly, then the fan bracket that was making a terrible noise, but the loudest noise never went away, but it did get clearer. I decided it was possibly an idler bearing or the water pump. When I got in there, I found most of that sounds pretty good, except one part. I have a brief video if anyone would be willing to give me any comments. Rackety racket video

I've priced out the replacement part and it isn't particularly expensive. Rock Auto has it for as low as 23$ and as fancy as 46$. Are there any brands I should be looking for or avoiding?

The water pump seems fine, no play no noise, rolls easy and smooth, but I'm thinking of replacing it while I'm in there.

ThanX for all your answers.

 

DrCreosote, Sorry can't access video.
What replacement part do you have in mind?

 

The timing belt pulley, the one at the top that has the water jacket in it.

Sorry about the video, I had the sharing options on that video set -- or so I thought -- so people could see it. Anyway, that bearing sounds like one of those old skateboard wheels that had ball bearings but no oil.