Alright, this job seems to keep getting more, and more involved.
I have about 90k on the clock, and am just know replacing the original alternator. (I am the original owner BTW).
While I am in this deep, I am replacing both belts. My original tensioners and idler pulleys all appear to be working fine at this point. No unusual noise or vibrations have been observed. A poster here recommended that I should replace all the bearings "while I am in there", so I am seriously thinking about doing just that.
Know I am finding a virtuall crap-load of various information about what bearings to use. Here's what I know so far.
>Seems to be 8 bearings. 3 inner idlers, 3 outer idlers & 2 tensioners.
>all seem to be the same bearing. Ford # CG-425
>Seems like the common part # is the 6203** or 203** which is common to all sorts of crap, like alternators etc.
>several variants of this bearing exist with different seal types
>pricing seems to vary from $3 to $16 each
>Some say you must press them in with a hydro press
>some report using heat on the pulley and freezing the bearing will work too.
>Many reports of these bearings having a short life span. 10k to 20k miles
**Not sure why all 8 of mine have survived 90k miles. Just lucky????
>Several brand names out there. (NTN, KBC, SKF, Koyo)
>No conclusive trend as to the best brand to get
So, I am definately not buying aftermarket idlers at this point. I am either just going to put my stockers back in there, or replace the bearing with the best ones I can find.
Tomorow, I think I might check out one of the local bearing specialty suppliers. That way I can see some options in person.
Please post any information you guys have that might help me out.
I have about 90k on the clock, and am just know replacing the original alternator. (I am the original owner BTW).
While I am in this deep, I am replacing both belts. My original tensioners and idler pulleys all appear to be working fine at this point. No unusual noise or vibrations have been observed. A poster here recommended that I should replace all the bearings "while I am in there", so I am seriously thinking about doing just that.
Know I am finding a virtuall crap-load of various information about what bearings to use. Here's what I know so far.
>Seems to be 8 bearings. 3 inner idlers, 3 outer idlers & 2 tensioners.
>all seem to be the same bearing. Ford # CG-425
>Seems like the common part # is the 6203** or 203** which is common to all sorts of crap, like alternators etc.
>several variants of this bearing exist with different seal types
>pricing seems to vary from $3 to $16 each
>Some say you must press them in with a hydro press
>some report using heat on the pulley and freezing the bearing will work too.
>Many reports of these bearings having a short life span. 10k to 20k miles
**Not sure why all 8 of mine have survived 90k miles. Just lucky????
>Several brand names out there. (NTN, KBC, SKF, Koyo)
>No conclusive trend as to the best brand to get
So, I am definately not buying aftermarket idlers at this point. I am either just going to put my stockers back in there, or replace the bearing with the best ones I can find.
Tomorow, I think I might check out one of the local bearing specialty suppliers. That way I can see some options in person.
Please post any information you guys have that might help me out.