So I’m getting a squealing noise occasionally, sounds like a bearing going bad. It’s intermittent, and I cannot “make it happen” on demand. Tonight I removed the belt and the idler pulley bearing is just a bit “rough”. Couldn’t find my stethoscope so I used a long screwdriver as a sound-conduit and idled the engine and it sounds like squealing through the screwdriver.
So, does anyone just buy a bearing and press a new bearing into the pulley? I have a bearing supply store nearby. Or am I better off just replacing the pulley and accepting the Chinese bearing that will be in the parts-store pulley?

 

I just purchased the complete idler pulley & tensioner pulley off Rock Auto for a 1996 3.9 v-6 Dodge Dakota. Supposedly, each came with a Japanese bearing. I could feel by hand that both bearings were pretty well spent in the original parts.

 

I don't think there is much cost difference between buying the bearing, or buying the entire assembly..... The latter is certainly easier though.

 

Without looking at it, would assume it is a sealed bearing.
Usually can use a pick and remove the plastic seal, then pack the bearings properly with quality grease .... then put the cover back on.

I have done this a few times for different projects ... sometimes there is almost no grease in them. The front wheel bearings for my riding mower were actually packed properly and nothing was needed.
Just popping the cover off and looking, offers peace of mind.

 

If it's a metal pulley, BY ALL MEANS save it! It'll either be a 6203 or 6303. I stock a couple of each at all times. Don't buy "brand names" on ebay -- they'll all be fakes.

The problem is that in order to get bearings at competitive prices you kinda need to order and BE READY. Typically the price at your FLAPS is quite high, but you can check.

If it's plastic, there's nothing you can do.

One of my favorite things is pressing in new bearings with my arbor press. It's oddly satisfying for me. And you can get Japanese or US bearings. EVERY pulley sold is almost surely CHINA COO (zoom in on some images at RA)

 

The Gates 38033 seems to get an NTN bearing from Canada, so that's something

 

I'm n Canada, and the parts store wanted $54 for a Gates pulley. I went to my local bearing shop and got a *** 6203 for $12. Had it changed in not time. Thanks for the responses.