MoreCowbell

My 2001 F150 5.4L just hit 100k and I figured I would check my idler pulley and belt tensioner. The tensioner seems to be in good shape - no lateral play in the arm, strong spring.

However both pulley bearings have some play and click a little when spun. I'm thinking it would be a good idea to replace the pulleys but should I just go ahead and do the whole tensioner given the mileage on the current one? Or would the bushings and spring in the tensioner exhibit some obvious wear if it was getting close to failure?

mrgooden

If it isn't broke...

Richard

Marc D

You're on the right track. I would change both pulleys, the tensioner and the belt. There is no such thing as a little slop and click in the bearing. It's bad. Spend the the money cause a tow will be way more than that down the road. I like PM on trucks

Steve@Tasca

I agree, if the bearings don't spin smoothly it's just a matter of time before one lets go and it will likely find a most inopportune time to do that.

I believe there are actually two idlers on the truck as well, one on each side of the timing cover. You'd be looking at about $113.00 for a new OEM tensioner and two idlers from us.

-Steve

MoreCowbell

Thanks for the replies. Yeah these are definitely on their way out. I had my head under the hood yesterday and heard a slight metallic scrape/squeal sound coming from the idler pulley. It went away after a minute but it is obviously on its way out. I'm definitely replacing both items.

Murrca

Don't wait to replace pulleys, tensioner, or belt. I was in a hurry to get home a few weeks ago and drove 650 miles with what started as a little slop in the bearings.

MoreCowbell

Ouch!

Steve@Tasca

Yep, they'll usually fail at the worst time too which could be bad depending on where you are.

MoreCowbell

Steve, I do see an another idler boss protruding from the driver side timing cover (not just the passenger side) - so your suspicion about dual idlers was right. I suppose that some configuration of accessories uses both. I guess I am lucky that mine only uses the one.