M104 Tension Pulley Repair

[Seangbadee]

I got utterly frustrated over the past few days trying to source a new 92mm tension pulley for my car. At mboemparts com, the pulley is 85+, and what they have at FCP as OE, comes with a Trucktec bearing mounted. The reviews of Trucktec bearings shows they are just as bad as Uro, even though they claim to be 'made in Germany'

This morning after sourcing a new bearing for the pulley, I decided to press the old one out., and as soon as the new one arrives I will apply some loctite 638 and press it in. I hope it works as it should; I am confident that it will. The new bearing (sourced from Amazon) measures 15mm x 35mm x 15.9mm and is rubber sealed in both sides. I will still try to find one in a known brand.

5202-2RS C3 Premium Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearing 15mmX35mmX15.9mm: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

5202-2RS C3 Premium Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearing 15mmX35mmX15.9mm: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Seangbadee]

I might just get my bearing from here. Fastenal is pretty reputable, and Bearings Ltd is a US company

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

 

[Seangbadee]

There is nothing as good as well made bearings!
The bearing on the left is a 25 year old one pressed out of my tension pulley, while the one on the right is a brand new bearing made in China.
I opened both up to clean them, compare, regrease my own and reseal, but believe it the Chinese one fell apart as soon as the grease was out.
It's always better to get the better well-known stuff.

 

[gsxr]

Seriously? The brand-new Chinese bearing came apart when you removed the grease?!!

 

[Seangbadee]

Seriously? The brand-new Chinese bearing came apart when you removed the grease?!!

No pressure at all and it just fell apart.
I bought it because I wanted the seals from it; curiosity made me take a closer look.
I'm glad I did.

 

[Seangbadee]

I finally got my bearing today, SKF 3202 2RS, (USA made), and pressed it into my tension pulley after applying some sleeve retainer.
No Chinese bearings for me.