idler pulley for water pump

[JoeA]

I have a 81 fj40. The previous owner removed the smog devices including the air pump.
It was replaced with an idler pulley. The pulley is making a whining noise, verifyed by lubricating it with the whine dissapearing.
Do I just replace the pulley or is there a better solution.
Thanks

 

[mattressking]

3 options.

1. Take it apart (duh) and inspect the bearing, replace or repack bearing if serviceable
2. Belt needs to be replaced/tensioned or both
3. Pulley out of alignment.

IF you sprayed the belt then you need a new belt and/or check alignment. You have a diy bracket, so you have to dig into it and do some good old-fashioned labor to figure out the root cause.

There are two aftermarket options, neither of which I really like, but they are 'better' than what you have currently.

TLC Performance
SOR/Man-a-fre

 

[JoeA]

Thanks matressking. Thats kinda what if figured I'd do. My biggest concern is finding another pulley after I get it apart.
Thanks again

 

[3_puppies]

Jim C makes a nice assembly
you may be able to just replace the bearings in the pulley

 

[JoeA]

So... found a machinist who replaced the bearing in my water pump idler pulley. Replaced belts. All good runs great and Quiet!
However I noticed the idler pulley has an ever so slight wobble. Dont know if it did befor the bearing replacement or not. A problem?

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think a "little" run out is acceptable - none is preferred.