Anyone with pulley issues?
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Anyone with pulley issues?
I'm at 125k on our 2010 RX350 and got a new serpentine belt to replace the original. That got me going down a rabbit hole about pulleys and tensioners. I usually replace all that I can around this time, but a tensioner is $250 and the alternator pulley is $100 by itself. So question is:
Has anybody had any issues with their pulleys? Are they worth changing proactively? Seems like a lot of money and effort to go through when I haven't seen many issues on the forum. I don't have any pre-existing issues other than a very occasional cold start rhythmic chirp.
Has anybody had any issues with their pulleys? Are they worth changing proactively? Seems like a lot of money and effort to go through when I haven't seen many issues on the forum. I don't have any pre-existing issues other than a very occasional cold start rhythmic chirp.
#3
Moderator
There are kits available with all the required pulleys and tensioners. Depending on your mileage and tolerance for banging up your knuckles a kit may or may not be worth the hassle. Some even do the water pump at the same time since all are right there.
#4
Instructor
We had our idler pulley changed around 40k under warranty (2010 Rx350). Now with 125k+, it's starting again. Changing the belt is one thing, but the pulleys are PITA due to the tight space, but still doable. AS Clutchless said, knucklebusters.
#5
Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks all. I knew about the kits that had everything included, but the tensioner is not only expensive, but also requires removing the AC Compressor to remove all the bolts. So I really didn't want to do that unnecessarily, especially since I read on here a Lexus tech said he's never had to replace the entire unit before.
The alternator decoupler pulley also requires a special $90 tool kit, which would be one time use in my eyes. I guess my determination from the responses (and lack thereof) is that I'll probably just check all the pulleys and maybe replace the idler.
The alternator decoupler pulley also requires a special $90 tool kit, which would be one time use in my eyes. I guess my determination from the responses (and lack thereof) is that I'll probably just check all the pulleys and maybe replace the idler.
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