Placed an order with RockAuto for a belt-tensioner w/pulley, idler pulley and a new serpentine belt all made by Gates for my 2001 Sport Wrangler. Now I'm reading there may be a problem with the idler pulley fitting correctly because of redesign? My bad...should have done more research before buying. If I'm forced to buy one from O'Reilly's which brand would be a direct replacement if they don't carry Mopar?
Gates idler pulley?
- Thread starter 01CuHed
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C.J. Roberts
TJ Addict
As long as the belt-tensioner functions, I don't think that the pulley will be a problem. I had an Idler pulley squeal a few years back and I just got the cheapest pulley I could find on ebay and haven't had a problem. In fact, since both idler pulleys are the same unit, I replaced both of them.
Mine's an '05 but pretty sure I purchased a Gates idler and tensioner when I did my water pump and cooling system refresh. No issues fitting it or with performance to date.
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I got the all in one kit
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079CBZCB1?tag=wranglerorg-20 but did have to re-use the original bolt and standoff
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079CBZCB1?tag=wranglerorg-20 but did have to re-use the original bolt and standoff
UKTJ
TJ Addict
I think someone posted here recently that they had issues with the indexing dowel on the tensioner pulley bracket not fitting properly (or something similar) but I can't seem to find the post at the moment. Might be what the OP is referring to...
Thanks for the feedback...Chili_pepper maybe I did misread some information from some older posts? Ron Hall above said to toss the bushing in the kit and just bolt the pulley...maybe that is what confused me? If it all fits then I guess the only hurdle will be the T-40 torx screw. Ha!
I ran into a couple issues with some of the aftermarket Idler pulleys. One brand had a larger diameter which would have required a different belt. One had a different taper to it and would not allow the use dust shield/washer. It did come with a spacer, but that didnt work because the bolt bottemed out in the block allowing excessive play. In the end, I knocked the bearing out of the new pulley and installed it into the old pulley.
Williambmac those issues you mentioned sounds like what I was reading but maybe I got the brands mixed up as to which didn't fit directly.
I believe it was a gates that I installed on my 00’ a couple years ago and thinking about it now I do think i had to shorten the bushing to match the old one.
Just an update...I was able to use the Gates idler pulley on my 2001 Wrangler Sport from RockAuto along with belt tensioner and serpentine belt. Like Red02tj I had to re-use the original spacer mount and bolt also had to not use bushing in kit (like Ron Hall) and delete dust cover over bearing. Gates sent a letter with idler pulley stating if Mopar factory dust cover doesn't fit Gates pulley don't use because bearings are sealed and not really needed.
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