tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Just thought i would post some pics of my idler and tensioner pulley's with 73k miles on them.. This is probably one of those maintenance items that can be easily over looked but beneficial to engine performance in the future..

I bought the parts from Rock Auto and noticed excessive wear on the idler pulley. U can see from the pics the wear marks and possible scratches or hair line cracks on the edges.. I'm sure the bearings are shot to as i would notice a slight squeak in the mornings upon startup..

After installation the car seems to idle much smoother and quieter.. Took about 15 min to install and i recommend this if u haven't done it yet..

idler pulley




tensioner pulley



idler is made by Gates
Tensioner made by Goodyear

sung35

You forgot to post pictures showing how to remove them . I bought the tensioner last year but haven't get the chance to put it on. Was it easy to remove? Thanks

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

very easy. 10mm socket i believe.. took 15 min.. remove the belt first of course..

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

decided to order the actual tensioner piece. noticed yesterday that there was some play in the tensioner and that didn't sit right with me. ordered it off eBay and the brand is Goodyear .

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tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

After reading some DIY's on Timing belt replacemnet etc.. a few mentioned the Belt Tensioner and it looks like more work then just removing 4 bolts. the Timing cover i think has to come off and maybe the alternator..

Ant thoughts or PDF link?

thanks

ntwrkguy1

Hey tmf2004 -- did you buy both of those through Rock Auto? I was on their site earlier, but didn't see a tensioner for an '03 430. That's the tensior for the serpentine belt, right?

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

yes both bought from Rock Auto... looks under the Category "belt Drive"

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

FYI - I just did this last weekend and have some news for those with a GS400 (98-00 specifically).

I had my friend at Toyota look up the Toyota equivalent part number. The part number that shows up for a drive belt tensioner has undergone a design change. The tensioner assy will probably bolt up. However, if you are looking to just change the pulley, the new design will NOT fit (though has a nicer beefier NTN bearing) as the pulley itself is smaller diameter. This is most likely why some belts are not fitting on 98-00 GS400.