Power Steering Idler Pulley?

[peejay]

Is there an aftermarket source for thi or does it hafta be Genuine Nissan? I ordered a Gates one, but it's too loose/looks like a different design.

 

[Slartibartfast]

What are you looking for? The WD21 power steering belt does not have an idler pulley. That looks like the aircon belt tensioner for a VQ R50, or at least there's an SKP part listed for that on Rockauto that looks nearly identical.

[peejay]

Whoops, busted, forgot which forum I was in! It's a WD21 with a VG33.

 

(I went ahead and ordered it from Nissan parts deal, couldn't find it (reliably) elsewhere.)

[Slartibartfast]

Ah, you kept the VG33 accessories. That explains it.

 

If it's just the bearing that's clapped, you may be able to rebuild the old one.

[adamzan]

You absolutely can, @Slartibartfast. I've done it for all 3 pulleys on my Xterra.

[peejay]

Oh? Pics? Does rebuilding require a press?

 

Here's a pic of the backs of pulleys, OEM one on the left, incorrect aftermarket one on zee right:

 

[Slartibartfast]

A press would make it easier, but you could probably make due with a bench vise. Use a socket to drive the bearing, and make sure you're putting force into the race you're trying to move, not through the bearing balls. (If you're pressing the OD into the pulley, press on the outer race, not the inner.)

 

I'll bet the center spacer and dust shield whatsit would pop out of the old bearing and into the new one. I doubt you'd even need a press for that, should just slip out if it's like other idlers I've messed with.

 

Edited December 19, 2024 by Slartibartfast

[gamellott]

7 hours ago, Slartibartfast said:

A press would make it easier, but you could probably make due with a bench vise. Use a socket to drive the bearing, and make sure you're putting force into the race you're trying to move, not through the bearing balls. (If you're pressing the OD into the pulley, press on the outer race, not the inner.)

 

I'll bet the center spacer and dust shield whatsit would pop out of the old bearing and into the new one. I doubt you'd even need a press for that, should just slip out if it's like other idlers I've messed with.

 

Agreed. That step down in size is likely a bushing/spacer that is probably rusted in place and would probably come out if given the proper force.

[peejay]

Thanks, all! Happy Holidays!

 

(Edit)

 

As usual, you all were right! Maybe if I'd've serviced this thing years ago, the cover/spacer wouldn't've been seized on there, and would've just fallen off, like the new one did!

 

 

(This pic might show the spacer/bushing thingy better):

 

Edited December 23, 2024 by peejay