Idler Pulley Bearing Replacement How-To

In this video, Don demonstrates how you can remove and replace a worn-out bearing in an air conditioning tension belt idler pulley, without damaging anything. This video applies to a wide range of vehicles. This is one of those parts that EVERY FoMoCo product with air conditioning needs replaced.

[@2010GT70B2]

This guy is a wealth of knowledge on these cars and fords in general. His website has tons of obscure parts used and new for both cougars and mustangs. Thanks for all these informative videos!

[@owninggezer]

I can't tell you how much this helped me. Thank you so much! I was able to change the bearing in my 68 galaxie ac idler pulley no problem.

[@joedejesus6363]

great tutorial, it was awesome. Those 20 Ton presses pay for themselves in just 2 or three applications. great choice.

[@davet6392]

Good video. However, by pressing on the pulley last, you are placing all the force on that outside race of the bearing. Potentially greatly shortening its life. I would suggest pressing the bearing into the pulley first using a spacer on the outer race. Then press the bearing/pulley assembly onto the shaft using a spacer on the inner race.

[@ChaoticMN]

Exactly what I was looking for for my 1972 Ford truck 390 I'm adding A/C to. Thank you!

[@usadaytrader]

After watching this, I am going to buy a new idler pulley instead

[@wrenchrat]

You should pack backside of that dustcover/cap with grease - its a great place to trap water. You can see its had water in there before when you took the cap off in the beginning of the video. I agree with the other comments about pressing the bearing into the pulley before pressing it into the shaft.

[@arkangelsklucifer]

without those keen eyes, no one would know error fix when you need to have it lined up with your bolt when using gear puller. enjoyed your video through the end. sometimes (actually more often) eye protection comes useful with any press or anything that can shatter. Japanese bearings are actually excellent quality. now these days, I'm trying ceramic bearing, trying out hybrid to full ceramic bearing.

[@turdfarmer777]

I think the better way to do this is to install the bearing into the pulley and then the bearing and pulley onto the shaft. pressing the pulley onto the bearing with out supporting the outer edge of it puts a great deal of side load on a bearing that was not intended to have any. right from the block you have reduced the life span of the bearing. if at any point you are putting pressure on one side of any bearing and holding it on another you are destroying said bearing.

[@silvernblackattach]

Is that long bearing you did NOT show one whole assembly?

[@LGD55]

Great video! I have the other "more expensive" bearing. Is there a trick or special order to install it?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

+Fernando MCC Sounds like the bearing is damaged! Although I'm a little confused about the bolt you're talking about. Not sure what kind of car you have, but there shouldn't be a bolt in the middle of a pulley that can stop it from turning.

[@fernandomcc7954]

I need some serious help. My mechanic (who I just realized is a complete noob) damaged one of my pulleys. It looks just like the one shown in this video but it's a tension pulley. What happened was that he removed the pulley from it's bracket just to check the bearing. It was ok, barely a noise but nothing serious. The problem came out when he put the pulley back into the bracket. He got the central bolt so tight that, without notice, he locked the pulley against the bracket. He started the engine and, while the engine was shaking, smoke from the burning belt came out (because of the friction between the belt and the non-mooving pulley). He got the bolt a little loose and, while the engine seemed to be working fine, the pulley started making way more noise than before. Did he damaged the bearing?

[@MrDbro94]

when I drive my truck. once in a while I heard loud squealing nose and then my truck chugs and trys to die. the only thing I can think of it being is one of my bearing are taking a shit. what do you think?

[@greatspacecoaster8759]

This guy cracks me up. Excellent instructing skills! Ty for the vid

[@shantelteague5454]

My idler pulley broken off while I was driving in the screw in snap off in still inside I can get the screw out

[@ytliao88]

Are u interested in cardone quality integral shaft bearing ?

[@jameslarson6555]

Even better, put the bearing in your freezer overnight and heat the pulley in an oven, pull out and quickly insert bearing with minimal pressure.

[@jamesgraham6796]

What is the best way to isolate the noises bearing with everything running?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

You can try squirting a little water on each pulley and see if the noise temporarily goes away. This test works for belt noises too.

[@terryfournier297]

You can get a new pulley / bearing assembly for like 20$ on the net... Saves time!

[@affordabletowing3210]

+Terry Fournier You can also buy these bearings in bulk where the final repair will only cost $1.29 per bearing so yeah having roughly $19. dollars left over is way more cost efficient.. for me at least.

[@glennschuett199]

But wear do you find the bearings I have looked all over for bearings can't Find the size

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

We sell the bearings for the 68-73 Cougars / Mustangs: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/store/Search.aspx?searchTerms=idler+pulley+bearing&submit=true&type=EXACT. We only sell parts that fit 67 -73 Cougars, so we don't have that info on other makes/models that do not cross with the Cougar.

[@kennethwyatt4226]

I have a 65 Mustang and need an AC Adjustable Idle Pulley ITEM #: 11-9906. You mentioned a "Link" to match up the bearing. Where is that link or what bearing do I need for this pulley? I went to your site, but could not find the LINK. Great Video!!!

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

The link in the listing was broken, I have fixed that. Here is the direct link to the new bearings for that pulley: secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/c5zz-2990-a.html

[@kennethwyatt4226]

@@WestCoastClassicCougar Outstanding! Thank you.

[@ytliao88]

Where did you purchase special bearing ?

[@WestCoastClassicCougar]

+Yt Liao this one?: www2.cougarpartscatalog.com/c5zz-2990-a.html

[@ytliao88]

+West Coast Classic Cougar thank you so much. I produce this kind of bearing , finally I figure out how it use

[@MavDude]

At 6:15 he talks about not side loading the bearing during installation, then immediately assembles the thing in the wrong order and side loads the bearing. 🤨 Doh. If you do this, please press the new bearing into the pulley FIRST, utilizing a socket or something that's the same size as the OUTER race. THEN press the pulley/bearing assembly onto the shaft as shown, using something that's the same size as the inner race. This will prevent side loading and potentially damaging the bearing.

[@nightowlbg]

this guy has a web site wow !

[@laloherrera5173]

safety glasses...

[@banno6938]

IMO you ruined the bearing ! Press the bearing into the pulley using the outer race 1st & then ONLY press on the race going onto it's shaft .