Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

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Ghost
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Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by Ghost »

I am getting ready to purchase a kit of parts for a timing belt job.

I have read that on the right side of the motor Subaru used one dual bearing idler and one single bearing idler. I would like to replace both with dual bearing idlers when I do my work. Can I use the stock bolt for the single bearing idler or will it be too short?

I absolutely need the answer because once I take the car apart I wont be able to go anywhere to pick up hardware. I do all my work at my friends cabin up in the hills, so I will be stuck until complete.
Legacy777
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by Legacy777 »

All the idler pullies are identical. There is one idler gear, but beyond that, the

Here's a pic showing the pullies.

http://www.main.experiencetherave.com/s ... P_4993.JPG
Josh

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Ghost
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by Ghost »

Awesome picture, thank you.
jamal
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by jamal »

Originally the lower left pulley only has a one row bearing. But later it was superceded to the dual row. The bolt is the same for both. OEM part number is 13073AA190
Legacy777
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by Legacy777 »

Thanks for clarifying Jamal.
Josh

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93Leg-c
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by 93Leg-c »

The double row bearing pulleys are better than the original single row bearing pulleys. I was told by a Subaru mechanic that Subaru superseded to the double row bearing pulleys because the single row ones were not holding up. Also, beware that MANY online vendors sell the single row bearing pulleys only. They will tell you that it is OEM quality but what they don't tell you is that they are referring to the OLD OEM quality standard and not the upgraded standard. I don't recall which was which but the pulleys usually have green or black seals. The color usually indicates if the bearing is a single or double row.
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by AWD_addict »

Also be careful of new vs old pulley bolt offsets. If you get the newest pulley part number, get the matching bolt too. The oldest (1990) bolts are too long to secure the newer style pulleys.
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by 93Leg-c »

^^Ooh, that's good to know!
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Ghost
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Re: Double Bearing T-Belt Idlers

Post by Ghost »

AWD_addict wrote:Also be careful of new vs old pulley bolt offsets. If you get the newest pulley part number, get the matching bolt too. The oldest (1990) bolts are too long to secure the newer style pulleys.
This info is correct.

I went off jamal's advice and was not able to use the new pulleys because the offset was different. Fortunately my water pump didn't seal so I am going back in there again, this time with the correct bolts.
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