I have a 2000 Maxima with ~130k. The idler pulley is slightly wobbly. It's been like this for about 4 months and I haven't had any issues so far, but does it need to be replaced? Am I running any risks driving 90miles/day?

Thank you for any input

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10wX...IAjQi-19dejiLw

 

Absolutely yes, replace it. It may not be all that bad at the moment, but guaranteed it will get worse.

When it self destructs, it probably won't damage much but without an alternator, you can't drive 90 miles and you will be a roadside attraction.

 

I wonder if just replacing the bearing can fix that.

 

It's two pieces bonded together and the elastomer is unbonded if comes off it could damage alot! Your oil filter is seating right next to it!

 

With 90 miles in north Jersey traffic, why bother taking a risk. I would change it out for peace of mind.

 

Thanks guys, I'll change it this week. Is there any harm in going aftermarket on this part?

 

In my experience owning Maxima's (97, 03, 10) the aftermarket parts work but can cause problems later. I've had to replace aftermarket parts such as alternators, radiators, O2 sensors and starters with OEM because they failed prematurely. Based on those experiences if the part is one that can leave me stranded I strictly use OEM. Plus the idler pulley is a key part that can cause damage to other things if it fails at speed.

 

I replaced the alternator on my 97 at 123K miles. I also replaced the idler pulley at that time also with one from Autozone. The car now has almost 180K on it and the pulley is doing fine.

 

I guess it depends on who makes the part itself. My 97 SE had 130k miles on it and I replaced the starter and it went out 2 months later. My 03 SE had 120k on it and I had to replace the after market alternator that my shop got from Advance Auto 3x because it didn't put out enough power for the charging system. I also had a problem with an aftermarket radiator on my 03 as well. It lasted one year before the seams gave out and it started leaking again. From that point on I spend a little more for the OEM part whenever it's a major component.

 

Man, somebody/thing has it in for you.

 

GRRR I replaced the idler pulley today but it is still wobbling. I actually installed it several times trying to figure out what is causing the issue. On my last attempt I removed everything, including the bracket attaching the assembly to the car, and very carefully put everything back together. I've been using a diagram from courtesy nissan to make sure I assemble everything in the correct order. The current assembly is bolt, bracket, washer, adjuster bolt, 1/4" spacer, dust shield, pulley, washer, nut. I tried several combinations but no difference. Is there anything else that might be causing this issue?
Thanks again for all your help.

New pulley:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjtP...IAjQi-19dejiLw

 

Check the rubber on the harmonic balancer.
Maybe it's cracking and about to separate.
I'm assuming your year has this possibility because it's still a 3.0 and 4th gens have this problem and share that motor other than the oovi.

 

Now that you mention it I remember the harmonic balancer went on my previous 2k maxima and it caused the belt to snap. It didn't occur to me that it might cause the idler pulley to wobble. I'll inspect it soon as I get a chance, thanks.