Rittmeister Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Soon after getting my car (2009 2.5i, non-turbo) I determined that the A/C idler pulley was making a squeaking noise. I ordered a Gates replacement from RockAuto and installed it within two weeks of buying the car. Sometime in the last month it's started squeaking again and is getting worse. With COVID etc I have only driven the car about 3000 miles in that time, so I'm pretty annoyed that it's already failing. I plan to take advantage of RockAuto's warranty but I'm wondering if anyone has had better luck with a different brand of replacement. Again this one was a Gates (these are the belt people after all!) but I'd try something else. Any info appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino6303 Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 I'd just replace the bearing. It's easy to press out that one and press in a new one. You can even use a mallet to pop it out and tap a new one in. Once I bought the metal pulley I've just been replacing the bearing (use a quality supplier like NSK or Nachi). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rittmeister Posted October 28, 2020 Author Share Posted October 28, 2020 I would not have thought of that, but I would be willing to try it. Do you have a source and/or a part number or sizing info on the correct bearing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino6303 Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 I would not have thought of that, but I would be willing to try it. Do you have a source and/or a part number or sizing info on the correct bearing?I can look when I get home. Off the top of my head I think it's a 6203 bearing. I'll edit this post later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Sorry you missed the memo...in recent times, say the last 5 or 6 years, Gates product's have become...junk. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino6303 Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 I'm kind of weary that the gates idler is the problem. Even with a terrible bearing I feel it would last more than 3,000 miles. Is it always making the noise? Does it only make it when the a/c pump kicks on? The a/c clutch may be the culprit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rittmeister Posted October 29, 2020 Author Share Posted October 29, 2020 I can look when I get home. Off the top of my head I think it's a 6203 bearing. I'll edit this post later. That'd be great, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rittmeister Posted October 29, 2020 Author Share Posted October 29, 2020 I'm kind of weary that the gates idler is the problem. Even with a terrible bearing I feel it would last more than 3,000 miles. Is it always making the noise? Does it only make it when the a/c pump kicks on? The a/c clutch may be the culprit. I'm 99% sure it's the pulley. It does it most of the time, and if I carefully squirt some PB or WD40 on the pulley shaft behind the dust washer, it stops squeaking immediately. It returns after 3-5 minutes of friction and heat drying up the lube. That, and the squeak did go away for several months after I initially replaced the pulley (and I used the same method to determine it that time). I guess I'll poke around with my stethoscope to be sure, but I'd still love to know the particulars on the bearing when you have a minute to find them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhino6303 Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 It is indeed a 6203 bearing. I bought a Nachi 6203-2NSE bearing. Beware bearings on amazon these days. The bearing is single row, sealed and 17x40x12mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rittmeister Posted October 29, 2020 Author Share Posted October 29, 2020 Thanks, I’ll see about sourcing one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvick08GT Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 Shameless plug I have a Dayco metal pulley for sale (BNIB) in my FS thread. It uses an NTN bearing which is Japanese as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tehnation Posted October 31, 2020 Share Posted October 31, 2020 (edited) The pulley is a standard subaru part i believe, and you can get it at any auto parts store, I bought a new pulley and tensioner from advance auto, auto zone, or napa. Or get subaru part number 73131AC010(steel) or 73131FC000(resin) Edited October 31, 2020 by Tehnation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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