Heavy duty belt tensioner

[Caman96]

Maybe you could swap in a grooved pulley on the Gates Fleetrunner.

 

[df2x4]

I had to replace the one on my Suburban 4-5 years back, went with an OEM GM part and no issues since. My red truck is still running the original as far as I know...

 

[351FUN]

That's what I'd try. Take the better tensioner, get some real good bearings and the old pulley and put it all together and see what happens.

 

[454cid]

On mine, the bearing was molded into the pulley. It was the original from 99... and made by Gates in Canada. I think the replacement Gates pulley had a Chinese bearing unfortunately.

 

[Orpedcrow]

Thanks for everybody’s input.

I just order some Japanese NSK 6203’s, I’ll see how those hold up.

 

[454cid]

Thanks for everybody’s input.

I just order some Japanese NSK 6203’s, I’ll see how those hold up.

What brand of pulley do you have that the bearing isn't molded in?

 

[Caman96]

On mine, the bearing was molded into the pulley. It was the original from 99... and made by Gates in Canada. I think the replacement Gates pulley had a Chinese bearing unfortunately.

This is my original from my 96 with 46k on this part, I pulled bearing seals off each side and repacked with grease. It’s ready to go back in when needed. It has Made in Canada bearings too.

Running a newer one currently with added grease, they look way too under greased new. The other in pictures is a Continental, but it’s NOS and Made in Canada. Stamped right on the bearing.

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[Orpedcrow]

What brand of pulley do you have that the bearing isn't molded in?

It should be a gates, I’ve replaced the bearings in it before but from a smooth idler pulley (I was desperate and that’s what was available)

 

[Orpedcrow]

This is my original from my 96 with 46k on this part, I pulled bearing seals off each side and repacked with grease. It’s ready to go back in when needed. It has Made in Canada bearings too.

Running a newer one currently with added grease, they look way too under greased new. The other in pictures is a Continental, but it’s NOS and Made in Canada. Stamped right on the bearing.

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The more research I did showed everybody (name brand) but dayco had made in Canada stamped on them. Most running NTN bearings or no name bearings.

 

[evilunclegrimace]

I just replace the idler on my '98 with 270,000 on it about 3 weeks ago. I got an AC Delco from my supply house for about $34.00