Idler Pulley Replacement?

[ConfederateTyrant]

I noticed this on my 1995 Grand Marquis today:

That is the idler pulley (according to the belt routing diagram) and it looks to me like the coating is peeling off in that spot, but all the rest of it seems fine as far as I can tell. Is this a sign for replacement? Also, has anyone ever replaced an idler pulley on this type of car?

Seems as easy as removing the one bolt and switching out the old pulley for a new one. Then again, I thought using a handheld hacksaw was the easy way to take off an exhaust pipe...

Thanks everyone.

 

[boxcartommie22]

i replaced mine on my 98 vic its so simple undo the bolt pulss out slip the new one on..my painting is off on mine too its nothing to be concerned about..i replaced my tensioner too while i was at it..i used dayco products from carquest..

 

[JTK]

On any vehicle with these, the surface of the idler pulley will wear smooth. The only time you need to replace them is when the bearing starts to wistle/whine or when the pulley gets wobbley from a worn bearing.

Joel

 

[TheLoneRanger]

If the vehicle has 100K miles or more on it, I'd replace the idler pulley and the tensioner. They are relatively cheap, and it's just good insurance. Remember Murphy's Law; those things will let go at the most inopportune time.....

 

[Chris142]

Thats just the paint wearing off.

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

Thanks everyone, I'll keep an eye on it and check to see if it is wobbling. I was just wanting to make sure that it wasn't wearing away too much of the surface which could then cause the belt to slip off while going down the road. The part is only $10 for a Motorcraft equivalent from Rock Auto, and seems easy according to boxcartommie22.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Well, this thread has already cost me money; I took my own advice and ordered an idler pulley and tensioner today.

Confederate, those items are so simple to install on Fords, it's almost fun.

 

[mechtech2]

New Ford pulleys have slop in them, so don't expect a used one to be free of wobble.
I think it is designed that way to keep things in alignment without undue stresses when used with those long serpentine belts.

 

[alreadygone]

Long before it needs replaced you will hear whistle/whine or see obvious wobble. I'd get run out of town if I told folks their pulleys needed replaced just because the paint was worn off of contact area!