FleXJ01

The idler I got from NAPA had slightly different center setup then stock, and now it seems to rub when I turn or go over bumps. Didn't notice until I had the windows down and radio off. I don't see any signs of wear but pretty sure that is where the sound is coming from. Should I just throw a few washers behind it? thanks

Fsher21

Check first to make sure the spacer that was there in the first place wasn't left out. IIRC there should be hardly any room between the bracket and the pulley. The belt could be loose/tight also.

FleXJ01

There was a spacer in there , it was just different looking. I could not swap the old spacer in the new idler.

Elexwiz

I have to ask. How would turns or bumps affect the idler pulley? I understand the engine may flex a bit, more so with worn mounts, but it flexes as a single unit. The idler pulley maintains the same location relative to the other engine components.

Fsher21

you have a point!

I change my suggestion to the wheels rubbing on the fender! lol

FleXJ01

Ok so on further observation it's not bumps, but higher RPMs. When I pull up to a stop light I hear the noise get quieter as I slow down, and eventually stop as I come to stop. It only happens while driving. I tried to show someone by opening hood and pulling throttle cable, it does not happen until I actually drive. It's a pulley noise like a wobble of some sort, but no signs of contact any where.. Stuck

ZINGGG

Any chance you got the incorrect pulley?...

FleXJ01

Doubltful, my buddy that owns a highly modded XJ and is the parts manager at a dealer got it for me...

ZINGGG

Just checkin. Cause when I did mine it was a direct swap with no fitment issues at all.

Belt is seated nicely and nice and tight?

FleXJ01

That's what is puzzling, everything looks cool. And I have belt tightening issues in the past so rather then reply on Torque , I marked the tension bolt position and counted the damn turns, haha

Turbo X_J

Unit bearing

FleXJ01

update, it's not the belt. Turbo X_J might be on to something. How could I tell if it is the Unit bearing or something else? The axle u Joints are new.

Elexwiz

Jack up your front axle and spin the tires as fast as you can. If you have a small bicycle you can flip it over (so its resting on the seat and handle bars), butt the rear tire against your front tire, and start pedaling. This will get your front tire spinning faster than what you could do by hand.