Idler Pulley

[Jdbaby]

Noticed some strange chatter on my LA135 and tracked it down to the transmission idler pulley. It's not completely shot yet, but yeah it has a wobble that is very obvious and the bearing feels loose under load too. Pulled the deck for a closer look and yeah, it's not going to last much longer. I'm thinking of replacing the whole pulley instead of just the bearing to avoid dealing with it again soon, is this a smart move? and if yes, please recommend options where I can get a replacement

 

[JuanDear]

Good call on changing the whole pulley. It'll save you some trouble later. You might want to look at 8TEN or AIC for good replacemnt options. By the way did you check if the tensioner arm has any play?

 

[sn00tles]

Good call on changing the whole pulley. It'll save you some trouble later. You might want to look at 8TEN or AIC for good replacemnt options. By the way did you check if the tensioner arm has any play?

Which one works better for you, the 8TEN or AIC? thanks

 

[Thereviewer]

@Jdbaby there's no point in changing just the bearing, change the whole thing while you're there. I'd also check the idler arm bushing or bracket, whichever it has, just in case. You'll be tearing it apart, so might as well make the replace to be safe that you won't have to do it again in the future.

 

[Matt Hut]

Yeah, replacing the whole pulley is the smarter move here because once they start wobbling like that, the wear tends to come back fast even with a new bearing, the diameter and bore have to match though

 

[giancarlo_89]

Noticed some strange chatter on my LA135 and tracked it down to the transmission idler pulley. It's not completely shot yet, but yeah it has a wobble that is very obvious and the bearing feels loose under load too. Pulled the deck for a closer look and yeah, it's not going to last much longer. I'm thinking of replacing the whole pulley instead of just the bearing to avoid dealing with it again soon, is this a smart move? and if yes, please recommend options where I can get a replacement

My buddy had the same issue on his LA135 and just swapping the bearing didn't hold up long. He went with the Kumar Bros USA idler pulley kit off Amazon and it's been solid. Comes with NSK bearings and fits like OEM. Way easier than chasing down individual parts later.