E46Fanatics - View Single Post - idler pulley/hydraulic tension/tensioner pulley..im lost!

silyb0y · 04-13-2012, 03:29 AM

Sorry - english is not my first language (its my third language). I might have used the wrong words to discribe this.

Anyway - what I meant is that a pulley should spin smooth and steady. It shouldnt move on its axis or make rattling noises while it spins. But then again - if a pulley stops in a turn or two - its either brand new or totally out of order

- judging by this you would have to replace pulleys all the time, too

A good but old/used pulley can spin freely - whilst not having any play at all. In a brand new pulley there is a lot of sticky grease on the bearing that inhibits the spin - thats why it stops in a turn or two. That doesnt happen if you have a good pulley thats been in use for 50.000 miles. But again - I have already had cases in which a pulley went bad - destroyed the belt and caused a mess in my engine compartment - the car only had 30.000 miles and was only 3 years old

So - yeah - I change pulleys in 100.000km cycles and when I do I change all of them...

04-13-2012, 03:29 AM	#9
silyb0y Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southpark Posts: 53 My Ride: E46 330 View My Garage	Sorry - english is not my first language (its my third language). I might have used the wrong words to discribe this. Anyway - what I meant is that a pulley should spin smooth and steady. It shouldnt move on its axis or make rattling noises while it spins. But then again - if a pulley stops in a turn or two - its either brand new or totally out of order - judging by this you would have to replace pulleys all the time, too A good but old/used pulley can spin freely - whilst not having any play at all. In a brand new pulley there is a lot of sticky grease on the bearing that inhibits the spin - thats why it stops in a turn or two. That doesnt happen if you have a good pulley thats been in use for 50.000 miles. But again - I have already had cases in which a pulley went bad - destroyed the belt and caused a mess in my engine compartment - the car only had 30.000 miles and was only 3 years old So - yeah - I change pulleys in 100.000km cycles and when I do I change all of them...