Replace lower right smooth idler cambelt pulley?

[uniberp]

While I am replacing the crank pulley, and cleaning out the iron dust that accumulated during it's failure, I am replacing the tensioner, both upper smooth pulleys and the lower cogged pulley, which the mechanic who did the cambelt felt was unnecessary to replace at 105k

 

Seals are not leaking, and 3 sprockets look fine. I'd like to get it done this weekend, and the dealer has NO parts in stock, ever. Except for lug nuts. I need a lot of lug nuts, thanks.

 

99 2.5 SOHC Forester.

 

Should I replace that lower right (passenger side) smooth pulley if it seems allright? Seems like it doesn't work too hard, basically guiding the belt and keeling it from flapping. Does it get noisy?

 

Thanks

mpergielelmhurstil99forester97legacy "the Legato".

[idosubaru]

best to inspect, there's really no "yes or no" answer without looking at it. i wouldn't replace it for no reason but i wouldn't assume it's good either. you are correct in assuming this pulley isn't a typically the first to cause issues. on these engines with 105,000 mile timing belt intervals i think an inb between inspection is very wise. if you do that, then leaving it becomes a non-issue. remove belt, inspect pulleys. at the first belt change you're looking at 200,000+ miles for the next replacement and that is a bit of a risk for timing pulleys. the real issue becomes down time...you don't want to pull it apart...then go scrounging for parts, that's really annoying. nice to have everything you need and put it together.

[uniberp]

best to inspect, there's really no "yes or no" answer without looking at it. i wouldn't replace it for no reason but i wouldn't assume it's good either. you are correct in assuming this pulley isn't a typically the first to cause issues. on these engines with 105,000 mile timing belt intervals i think an inb between inspection is very wise. if you do that, then leaving it becomes a non-issue. remove belt, inspect pulleys. at the first belt change you're looking at 200,000+ miles for the next replacement and that is a bit of a risk for timing pulleys. the real issue becomes down time...you don't want to pull it apart...then go scrounging for parts, that's really annoying. nice to have everything you need and put it together.

 

Thanks gg. Inspection means rolling smooth but not freely and no surface rust or marks?

Can I spray away the steel dust with brake cleaner without damaging seals?

[idosubaru]

i would not spray anything liquid on the pulleys. the seals aren't all that "weather proof" so to speak, some amount of what you spray on there will probably get in. based on the fact that they all loose grease over time, i'm assuming stuff can pass both ways. wipe it off with a cloth, they typically come clean just fine that way.

 

sounds like you got it right, they should feel a bit tight and not too loose or noisey. even loose/noisey ones will last quite a while (as evidenced by the many 20 year old EA82's on the road, most have pulleys like that), but it becomes a more substantial risk on an interference engine like yours. those 5% of failures are $1000 - $2000 fixes (major engine damage)...not $200 (like the older models.