[sub313]

Hi

Just have a few Questions in regards to the Idler pulley and tensioner.

1.How would i know when i need to change them? My car has 85,000miles and when i drive i hear a slight whirring sound as i accelerate, kind of like a supercharger sound but not very loud. i am assuming this is just how the 6cyl. sounds?

2. What exactly needs changing usually, what are the parts called, what do i tell the mechanic and should i buy the bearings or the actual pulley?

3.Can i get aftermarket parts from ebay or should these parts be original?

Thanks

 

[subaruman49]

Should be changed every 50,000 or so.. Its a reasonably easy fix and not expensive. If this breaks...the car will not run. Good prevent maintainence.

ALWAYS....use OEM Subaru parts......................

Subaru does not like aftermarket parts.

Go to Subaru dealer and tell them you need parts to idler arm pully tensioner and ALL related parts.

If doing yourself, should yake about 90 minutes or so. Be patient

 

[HiPowerShooter]

Should be changed every 50,000 or so.. Its a reasonably easy fix and not expensive. If this breaks...the car will not run. Good prevent maintainence.

ALWAYS....use OEM Subaru parts......................

Subaru does not like aftermarket parts.

There is no maintenance schedule on the tensioner...
It's designed to last the life of the vehicle...in any case WELL past 50K. They do fail, but periodic replacement is not necessary. When it "breaks", fix it.

While Subarus do have some parts which OEM is a definite advantage due to being uniquely "Subaru"...there are MANY (high quality)aftermarket parts which work just as well.

 

[CNY_Dave]

My timing chain makes a slight whirring noise.

I changed my pulley bearings at 75k, and one of them again somewhere about 180k.

I think I actually do need to change my tensioner here above 200k, it is starting to cant the pulley a tiny bit and making clicking noises whenever its position changes.

 

[sub313]

So just to confirm, is the tensioner different to the idler pulley? Basically all i need is an Idler pulley, right?

Thanks

 

[canubaru]

is the tensioner different to the idler pulley? Basically all i need is an Idler pulley, right?

we need some info on the car / engine? 3.0L?

are you talking about the idler pulley and tensioner for the power steering pump, alternator and AC compressor? there is a very popular thread (sticky i think) for the idler or idler bearing replacement.

or is the car a 2.5L engine and we are talking about the timing belt idler and tensioner?

or are we talking about a 1985 GL?

 

[OldStyle]

So just to confirm, is the tensioner different to the idler pulley? Basically all i need is an Idler pulley, right?

Thanks

The idler pulley and the pulley on the tensioner are the same. They also use the same bearing which is replaceable and at a much reduced price.

You should replace both bearings. They press out and back in. Here is a link to that process. http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/110-gen-2-2000-2004/16823-h6-tensioner-bearing.html

The bearing used is a 6203-2rsj and can be found many places; automotive and also electric motor re-builders. Really a 6203 with different variations of the "-2rsj". Approx $10-15.00 USD each.

Just make sure that you install the tensioner pulley with the washers properly located. If reversed they will seize the bearing. Note the order and direction when removing....

The tensioner pulley isn't listed as replaceable separately but it is the same as the idler and both are replaceable. :29:

.

 

[sub313]

thanks everyone for the info i think i figured it out, I will most likely just replace the bearings in the Tensioner and idler pulley.