ATX Tensioner Bearing - how do you replace it?

[djcannon]

Has anybody ever replaced the bearing in the ATX serpentine belt tensioner pulley bearing

http://www.shonutperformance.com/Idler_bearing.jpg

Is there a thread that anybody knows of that has instructions on how to do this?

 

[Mr95Gl]

Since it IS a bearing, I'm guessing you'd have to press the old one out and and press the new one back in.

 

[djcannon]

Since it IS a bearing, I'm guessing you'd have to press the old one out and and press the new one back in.

That was my guess too...but how? Is there a special tool that anybody knows of? Does the pulley have to be heated first? Is pressing in the new one as simple as just sliding it in and then presto!?...or is there more to it?

Never did this before (obviously)

 

[95azSHO]

If you can find just the pulley replace it and all should be ok. Otherwise some auto shops can do it fo $10-$25 call around you'd be suprised.

 

[95azSHO]

Hey just remembered Electricat has some for sale check for new posts that will bring it up.

 

[Mr95Gl]

Never did this before (obviously)

Whoops, my mistake! As 95azSHO said, you can have a shop use a press to press out the old bearing/put in the new one for 10-25, or go at it with a hammer and chisel. Not a preferred method though.

 

[djcannon]

I have all the parts, I just need the bearing replaced. The bearing I bought is from shonutperformance, from Josh.

Weird thing is, the new bearing doesn't spin as freely as the old one. You would think the new one would be lubed up enough so that is spins MORE freely.

Maybe I'll just leave the old one in there??

 

[SHOtimer]

I have all the parts, I just need the bearing replaced. The bearing I bought is from shonutperformance, from Josh.

Weird thing is, the new bearing doesn't spin as freely as the old one. You would think the new one would be lubed up enough so that is spins MORE freely.

Maybe I'll just leave the old one in there??

I would find a machine shop, they should be able to do it or point you to the right place to have it pressed.

The new bearing should be not was free spinning as the old one as it is nice, new and tight. The old one is more 'worn in', or 'worn out'. Think of it as an engine, as it wears out the tolerances increase their is a bigger gap between the parts and the such, so it spins a bit more freely. Then the gap becomes too big, and it starts squeaking.....then eventually seizes. You will want that new bearing.

Doug

 

[djcannon]

I would find a machine shop, they should be able to do it or point you to the right place to have it pressed.

The new bearing should be not was free spinning as the old one as it is nice, new and tight. The old one is more 'worn in', or 'worn out'. Think of it as an engine, as it wears out the tolerances increase their is a bigger gap between the parts and the such, so it spins a bit more freely. Then the gap becomes too big, and it starts squeaking.....then eventually seizes. You will want that new bearing.

Doug

Cool...that eases my mind. Since I never installed one before, I figured it would be the opposite way around (the new one would spin more freely)

Thanks for the explanation. She'll have all new pullies this Saturday!

 

[CerberuS]

I approve the Doug's message.

In other words , he speaks the truth.

 

[projectSHO89]

All it takes is a decent bench vise and a good selection of larger sockets.....

Steve

 

[artsho]

Projectsho89 is correct....Also it helps to put the new bearing in the freezer for awhile.....

 

[djcannon]

Well I found a machine shop...and evidently not a very reputable one.

He pressed out the old bearing and pressed in the new one. When he did, he compromised about 25% of the rubber seal. It's not leaking or anything, and it spins, but I personally wouldn't put it on my car.

When he asked me for money, I pretty much told him to go F himself.

I ended up buying a new one from Ford for $91.

Lesson learned: A good machine shop is soooooo hard to find nowadays.

 

[Ishodu]

How could someone screw up pressing one of those bearings in? Not only would I not be paying they would be buying me a new bearing if that were me. But of course I would just do it myself.

 

[CerberuS]

Like marcel said , they are easy to press in....unless he pressed the inner center...

 

[Ishodu]

Oh next time you can pound out the old bearing with a hammer careful not to damage the pulley then put the new bearing in the freezer and then the pulley in the oven for a while set at 200-250F. Pop the frozen bearing in the hot pulley then cool with water.

 

[djcannon]

Not only would I not be paying they would be buying me a new bearing if that were me. But of course I would just do it myself.

At this point, it's not even worth the effort of trying to get the money back. It's only $40.

I have a new pulley waiting for me at the parts counter at Ford. It'll be put on this Friday.

 

[Ishodu]

Its not always the $ its the point that they messed up and they should be responsible for it. And now its costing you a new pulley rather than nothing.

 

[djcannon]

Its not always the $ its the point that they messed up and they should be responsible for it. And now its costing you a new pulley rather than nothing.

Believe me, I hear ya loud and clear...but then I can just imagine how it might turnout.

I make him pay for my part, and he insists on me giving him the "old" part, since he now technically "bought" it. And now I have to take it out and give it to him, then trust that he ends up giving me the $$ after banging out the bearing. Or I could have HIM take it out, then he screws up my pulley.

It's just not worth it. But trust me, if this happened when I was 20, my temper would have flared and I'd be in his face bigtime. That's what age does to ya, kind of makes you say "F it" and walk away more than when you were younger.

 

[93rev2sev]

Whats the name of the machine shop that can't press a bearing? This forum is your revenge!