Missing Idler Pully!

[fredo328]

I think I might have hijacked someone else's thread with my question so Im starting a new one. Apologies to 1SlowSpec3.

I had to change my upper radiator hose yesterday and when I removed it I saw that the Idler Pully was missing! The bolt and metal axle that the pulley spun on was still there but no plastic pulley. The belt was passing along right on the metal. Must not have been doing it too long since the belt is still good and there was not a lot of wear on the metal from the belt running across it. I took what was left of the Idler pulley assembly off so the belt was not rubbing across it. My question is do I have to replace this thing since the model years before mine dont have it and it seems the model years after mine dont have it.

[thomasetti]

i posted on the other thread, but i would rec replacing the pulley bc the belt is made a certain length to fit around that pulley. do you have a mechanical or hydraulic tensioner?

[fredo328]

dont know, how can you tell? Its a 98. I figured I would replace it though the belt is fairly tight and after reading the other posts regarding some e36s dont have it I started thinking.

[thomasetti]

it will either have a hydraulic tube underneath the tensioner pulley and the pulley can be removed, or it will be a one piece unit with the pulley made on to the tensioner arm. to be on the safe side i would replace it.