This is for a 1997 F250 7.3L PSD 149K

I recently had to replace the lower grooved idler pulley. In doing this i noticed that there was a plastic bushing on the bolt that was about 25% gone due to the pulley bearing ceasing up and causing the bearing to seperate from the pulley. This may have caused the plastic bushing to partly melt away.

What i am in need of is a replacement plastic bushing OR if needed the bolt+bushing. I used a Gates grooved idler pulley and HD serpintine belt.

So far so good, BUT being that part of the bushing was missing when i reinstalled I would feel better about repairing it right before gettign left on the side of the road.

Thanks for all who reply.

 

This applies to a Ford F150 SuperCab, 4.2L v6, Rear-Wheel Drive:

I too had a seized lower idler pulley. The P---S----- [parts dealer] adviser suggested that a smooth pulley was OK [the grooved version was not available, maybe?].

Also, the plastic bushing/collar is partially melted away. Here, the adviser suggested that the bolt holding the pulley has a shoulder that holds the bearing in place and suggested that the bushing/collar is not absolutely necessary.

Does anyone have any opinion on this? TIA