Impreza A/C Tensioner Pulley Saga

[Legacy777]

I thought I'd share the saga I've been dealing with to replace the A/C tensioner pulley on my 97 Impreza. The pulley was making noise at start up and it sounded like the grease had dried up. It is the newer style pulley setup compared to what was on the first gen Legacy. I figured I could easily just replace the pulley.

The first go around I accidently pulled the wrong part number from the parts catalog and got the older style pulley setup that was on the first gen Legacy. I tried to retrofit that pulley on the newer setup, but it wasn't going to work. So I sent it back and get the correct pulley, which had a superseded part # to the old one. The new pulley was a plastic resin pulley. When I went to install it I found that the adjuster mount for the pulley was too wide and making contact with the pulley itself rather than just the bearing surface.

After doing a bit of digging I found that the adjuster mount also was different for the plastic pulley. So I believe that getting the new adjuster mount (around $5) should allow me to use this newer pulley.

Here are the part #'s:

Plastic pulley - 73131FC000
New adjuster mount - 73134AC001

I also contemplated just replacing the bearing in the metal pulley, but it would have been a wash on cost and probably more work. The bearing was an NSK 6203 DULX. This would be the replacement bearing.

Here are pictures from the work so far:

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... zaacpulley

I'll update the pics & thread once I get the new adjuster mount.

[Legacy777]

The weather finally cooperated and I got to install the new pulley and mount this past weekend. It ended up being a quick 15 minute job....amazing how things work when you have the right parts!

I updated the pictures with the new parts & installed.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... zaacpulley

[afterthisnap]

I was just wondering if you happen to know the bearing size for the 1st gen tensioner. I believe it's a smaller 6202 bearing.

Do you happen to remember how the pulley didn't fit (too small/big ID)?

Thanks.

[Legacy777]

Are you asking what the bearing size would be for the 1st gen Legacy AC pulley? If so, I never took the pulley apart to see what bearing was in there. I might have my old Legacy AC pulley around I could take a look at if you need it.

The 1st gen Legacy pulley had a completely different mounting setup than the Impreza pulley.

[afterthisnap]

Yes, I'm just looking for the bearing size for the 1st gen metal pulley. If it's not too much trouble to check that would be great!

[Legacy777]

Sorry about the late follow up on this.

I'll send myself a reminder this evening to look if I have the old pulley available.

[Legacy777]

Ok, I just looked and I can't find the old Legacy pulley I thought I had.

I'd recommend creating a new thread requesting someone to look at their pulley. Someone's bound to have one laying around.

[afterthisnap]

No worries. Thanks for the followup.

[canadianbc5ra]

I have a new bearing that I'll be picking up on Monday. I dont have the part number here. I'll post it up when I pick it on on...Monday. It cost $2.68 CAD.

www.bearingscanada.com was the supplier and they ship world wide. The bearing is the exact same part number as the one that came out of my Legacy Turbo A/C tensioner.

I will report back with pictures on Monday

[canadianbc5ra]

Ok, I just got back from my bearing supplier. I have pictures of both bearings if anyone would care for me to e-mail them.

Measurements in mm are 35x15x11.

Model number of the original bearing to come in both the impreza tensioner pulley and the Legacy pulley are 6202DU2. This bearing is no longer produced. However, there is a replacement model for it in the exact same dimensions. It is the 6202RS. Common and readily available on Amazon, and all kinds of bearing suppliers. All you need is something to press out the old on and press in the new one. Cost for mine was $2.68 CAD and 10 minutes of driving to pick it up...

[mike-tracy]

Badass! I'll be using that info some day...

[canadianbc5ra]

My only problem now is that I've lost the snap ring and the large washer that holds the pulley in place...good thing I have a nice spare car sitting outside with working a/c

[Legacy777]

Can you send me the pictures and I'll host on my server.

[canadianbc5ra]

Sure,
could you PM me your email address?

Cheers,
Brian

[Legacy777]

Just sent you a PM. Also, you should be able to click on the e-mail link below my post info on the left to get my email.