BobbyNGa

So, I have searched. My apologies if I missed. I am trying to find out how to replace JUST the pulley (or even just the bearing if need be) on the engine drive belt tensioner.

I do not need to replace the springed tensioner. I easily find a Gates 36173 idler pulley, which takes care of that, but I am wondering about the pulley on the tensioner. What do I use? Is there a part number? Is it the same idler pulley as the... idler pulley?

I did find this kit: https://febestparts.com/PULLEY_TENSIONER_KIT/0187-GSU45

It looks like it fits many vehicles, but I am just not sure.

Anyone know or have an OEM part number or another alternative from like Dayco or Gates or someone?

Thanks!

BobbyNGa

BTW, this seems to be it on Amazon:
It fits according to 1 answered question I found, but is it RIGHT? Amazon tells me it does not fit my vehicle. Hard to know.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

I just left my stock one in place, I couldnt find a good brand to replace just the pulley. But maybe you can replace just the bearing inside of it. That way you can use a high quality bearing like nsk or timken.

Kinda like this

BobbyNGa

Yeah.. I saw a guy doing that on Youtube with a press and various sockets. I don't have access to the press--plenty of sockets. You are correct, though.. if I need to, I will buy a good bearing and just take it to a shop and have it pressed in (or maybe try a vice). I am just hoping for an easier solution--something that just bolts on without buying the entire tensioner. I have to do my water pump soon, so that pulley has to come off anyway.

BTW, this is the "press" video I saw:
Thank you!

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

From that video they are saying the Gates 36325 should work on our year GS. Gates is better then febest imo

BobbyNGa

I am looking into the bearing approach. And thanks for the Gates lead.

I found a couple of interesting sites/threads. Just sharing here in case anyone else is looking to do this.

!, Serpentine Belt Tensioner Pulley Bearing https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forum...ulley-bearing/

2. Tensioner Pulley Bearing - V6 3.5 https://www.toyotanation.com/threads...6-3-5.1633176/

In the beginning he mentions:

3.5V6 is marked NSK 6203DUL1B. The bearing size is 17mm ID X 40mm OD X 12mm width. The 3.5V6 bearings have an insert to center the 12mm size bolt.

BobbyNGa

This from the video I shared, too:

UPDATE: One of my eagle eyed viewers tracked down some aftermarket pulleys that should work a heck of a lot easier than swapping bearings like I did.

The part number is:
900501A and can be found at Advanced Auto for 42$
Gates 36325 that can be found at Oreilly Auto or Amazon for 21$
FEBEST 0187-GSU45 on Amazon for 31$

This should be a direct swap of just the pulley without needing a new tensioner assembly, so far 2/2 have commented this works.