How to... - 2.3L Idler Pulley replacement

[Hagan]

Ok I just bought a 1986 Ford Ranger and I noticed the idler pulley was making some noise. Upon further inspection I noticed the bearing was shot. The bearing is not supposed to be replaceable but I don't see why not?.

Anyway, here is what I did to replace the bearing. The bearing was $11 and I could not find a replacement Idler Pulley so this was my only option.

This is what the Idler Pulley looks like cleaned and off the truck

A picture of the old worn out bearing and the new bearing

I used a die grinder to remove the material around the bearing. It was a harbor freight die grinder and worked just fine.

Grinding away the metal holding the bearing in place

What it looks like after grinding the metal flush with the bearing face

Next step is to lay the pulley on the ground and take the biggest socket that will fit and set it down on the side you didn't grind on. The ground down side will be facing down. Then, tap the bearing until it is loose. I used a little torch to heat it before I tried without so maybe it helped or it didn't.

Its coming out!

After the bearing is out inspect the pulley and make sure its clean and nothing will impede the new bearing in its resting place.

And make sure the bearings are the same!

Next I cleaned and coated the bearing in thread locker so hopefully it will not come out!

Then, gently tap the new bearing in place

Here's what it should look like and clean the extra thread locker up

Then, put it back where it belongs!

You will want to put the ground down side AWAY from the engine block. This will prevent the pulley from sliding off the bearing and the bolt will secure the bearing to the idler mount.

Hope this helps someone who needs to replace the idler pulley but can't buy a new one!

 

[SkysTheLimit]

I bought a used tensioner from the bone yard for around that same price.

I am impressed though!

 

[Hagan]

Thanks! Its amazing how simple some things are. Btw this is the same bearing that's in the alternator that I also replaced.

 

[tomw]

I have smushed grease behind the grease seal on my front alternator bearing, and into the serpentine belt idler bearing on my 87 Sable using my fingers, until clean grease came out the other side. Both seemed to be running 'dry'. The idler pulley looks Soooo familiar, I think the same engineer did both. I would never have thought to grind the retainer lip away, but might have considered drilling the rivets, and using nuts & bolts to reassemble the pulley.
I don't think there are many boneyards with '85 Rangers and maybe less with 87 Tauri or Sables any more, so it's likely every man for himself, and this article is a good example.
tom

 

[Hagan]

Thanks! I really do try to do everything myself! If it saves money but takes time that me!

Drilling out those center rivits might have worked but I have no idea. I never even thought of that. Then it could be bolted back together!