2003 V70 Accessary Belt Tensioner Bearing

Post by **chrism** » 29 May 2014, 13:42

Can anyone verify that the correct accessary belt tensioner bearing is a NTN 6203 (17x40x12)? Mine is starting to howl when hot but I need to buy the bearing before tearing it apart as I only have the one car at the moment. I don't really want to ride my bicycle the 10 miles to the bearing supplier. Thanks.

Post by **precopster** » 29 May 2014, 15:58

[attachment=-1]uploadfromtaptalk1401400636626.jpg[/attachment]Gates make the accessory pulley with bearing integral; around $14

The bearing is a 6203 however that will be a difficult one to press out without cracking the pulley.

Post by **chrism** » 30 May 2014, 07:14

Good point. The Napa website says my local store has two different pulley/bearing assemblies for about $13 and $25 respectively. I may just go that route along with a new Conti belt. The existing tensioner has 200K miles on it while the belt has about 35K at 3 years old. I can't decide if it's the tensioner or the belt that's squealing. The tensioner sounds pretty rough through the stethoscope but it really sounds like a belt squeal, plus it increases when I load up the A/C compressor and increase the alternator demand. The belt is nice and snug so I don't think the tensioner spring is weak. The odd thing is that spraying water on the belt while it's running has no effect on the noise as I would have expected. Maybe serp belts don't respond to the water test the same way V belts do.

BTW - would you happen to know off the top of your head what size star bit fits the tensioner? I want to make a tool with a long handle for it. Thanks.

Post by **jimmy57** » 30 May 2014, 07:26

203FF is the one I have been buying at AZ and O'Reilly's. It is the 17x40x12 sealed alternator bearing.
It may be an interchange to another number also.

Post by **chrism** » 30 May 2014, 08:06

Jimmy 57,

Interesting. Have you had any trouble pressing the old bearing out or the new one in? Any heat or freezer involved?
Thanks.

Post by **xHeart** » 30 May 2014, 11:48

chrism wrote: BTW - would you happen to know off the top of your head what size star bit fits the tensioner? I want to make a tool with a long handle for it. Thanks.

Everyone I asked said 55T, but it was 60T for OE/INA.
I purchased Lisle from Amazon for $6. It takes 3/4". No need for a long handle.

Post by **chrism** » 30 May 2014, 14:48

Knowing the correct size is a step in the right direction. Thank you.

Post by **jimmy57** » 30 May 2014, 15:06

The torx is cantankerous to get the tool into so I always use a boxed wrench on the bolt for the pulley.

I have pressed bearings into the plastic wheels when the surface is OK. Oven heating would be a good idea as it reduces the chance of cracking the plastic wheel.