When your idler pulley bearing decides to retire, your smooth drives turn into a squeaky nightmare.
And your only solution is to replace the bearing ASAP.
But how much will it cost you?
Read on to discover the pulley bearing replacement cost and the factors affecting your final bill. We’ll also explore the signs of a bad idler pulley bearing and offer tips to extend its lifespan.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does the Idler Pulley Bearing Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Idler Pulley Bearing?
- Signs You Need an Idler Pulley Bearing Replacement
- How Long Does an Idler Pulley Bearing Last?
- How Can You Prevent the Idler Pulley Bearing from Failing?
- Can You Replace the Idler Pulley Bearing Yourself?
How Much Does the Idler Pulley Bearing Replacement Cost?
Here’s what you can expect to spend on an idler pulley bearing replacement:
A. Range
You should budget about $155 to $220 for an idler pulley bearing replacement.
This covers:
- New bearing: $15 to $50
- Labor cost: $140 to $170
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Besides parts and labor, these factors can also impact your repair costs:
- Bearing type: The idler pulley commonly uses sealed deep groove bearings, but other types, like pulley-integrated and toothed bearings, can also be used. However, these bearings are more expensive because they use high-quality materials to handle high speeds and temperatures.
- OEM vs. aftermarket parts: Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) bearings are expensive but have superior quality and last longer than aftermarket ones.
- Additional repairs: A damaged bearing can cause the idler pulley to crack or break. In that case, mechanics usually replace the entire pulley, which costs around $160 to $270.
Is It Worth Replacing the Idler Pulley Bearing?
Absolutely.
An idler pulley bearing helps drive the idler pulley, which guides your engine’s drive belt (also called a serpentine or accessory belt) across various engine accessories.
Driving with a bad bearing can crack the idler pulley, resulting in a stuck or torn serpentine belt. This can damage other parts, like the AC pulley, water pump pulley, power steering pump pulley, and crankshaft pulley.
Consequently, a broken drive belt can lead to engine overheating or stalling, resulting in catastrophic engine failure. Your only option then is to get a complete belt replacement.
Signs You Need an Idler Pulley Bearing Replacement
When your pulley bearing starts to wear out, you’ll notice:
- Steering wheel vibrations
- Squealing or chirping noises from the engine bay
- Discolored drive belt
- Pulley spins excessively or locks up
- Cracked pulley surface
- A seized bearing
How Long Does an Idler Pulley Bearing Last?
The idler pulley and its bearing can last for around 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, they can wear out sooner for several reasons, including:
- Loss of lubrication
- Aggressive driving habits
- Harsh environmental conditions
- Bearing contamination due to dirt, debris, and moisture
- Excessive belt tension
- Uneven load distribution
- Using low-quality parts that wear out faster
How Can You Prevent the Idler Pulley Bearing from Failing?
Here are some steps you can take to prolong the lifespan of your pulley bearing:
- Ensure proper lubrication: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for lubrication intervals and use the recommended lubricants for the bearing.
- Check the seals: Ensure the bearing seals are in top condition to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.
- Use good-quality parts: Avoid low-quality replacement parts as they corrode and wear out faster, affecting connected parts, such as the water pump and power steering pump.
- Get regular maintenance: Clean the engine bay and replace the bad idler pulley bearing when it shows signs of excessive wear to avoid engine damage.
Can You Replace the Idler Pulley Bearing Yourself?
No. It’s best not to attempt a DIY bearing or idler pulley replacement if you don’t have the necessary tools and expertise.
The replacement process can be complex and requires you to:
- Disconnect the car battery.
- Loosen the belt tensioner to remove the drive belt.
- Access and remove the idler pulley.
- Replace the old with a new bearing.
- Re-install the idler pulley and drive belt.
- Release the belt tensioner to secure the belt.
- Reconnect the car battery.
That’s why it’s advised to consult auto repair professionals or call mobile mechanics to avoid mistakes that could affect other parts and cause engine damage.
Replace Your Pulley Bearing with AutoNation Mobile Service
If left unchecked, a bad idler pulley bearing can damage other pulleys in the drive belt system. So, visit an auto repair shop to get it replaced as soon as possible.
And if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, mobile mechanics from AutoNation Mobile Service can come to you.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution offering easy online bookings and a 12-month, 12-000 mile warranty on all repairs ranging from idler pulley to battery replacement.
Contact us for a fair price estimate and to get hassle-free car repair services right in your driveway.