Timing Belt Bearings

[s_ajanthan]

I'm looking to replace my tensioner and idler pulley for my 2000 Camry. In the past I've always used either Koyo or NSK brands; couldn't afford the Toyota branded NSK bearings .
Today when I called up some parts stores no one seems to have idler pulleys made by Koyo or NSK. All they have is GMB which is Korean and thus I will not buy it because I can't accept a Korean idler in my car...

Anyways what do you think, is GMB good enough. I changed the timing belt for a family friend (Gen3 Cam) and he could only get GMB and it rattled like nothing else... I've come to depend on Koyo & NSK. Anybody know if GMB is any good?

Any other brands worth my time?

[Hajoca]

Did YOU give ROCK AUTO PARTS a call??

I do not work for them, but bought mine there, IIRC, about $50 each, instead of 75.

[s_ajanthan]

yep i did but the westend of the GTA is too much of a drive... plus they only carry GMB (Korean) and no offense to Korean engines but there's a reason I bought a Japanese Engineered Japanese Built Camry. I've tried a lot of parts stores but no one has Koyo anymore. All they have is GMB... Thanks for the number tho!

AND BEFORE SOMEONE FLAMEs ME, YES I KNOW CAMRY PARTS COME FROM ALL OVER AND THERE MAYBE KOREAN MANUFACTURED PARTS SOMEWHERE IN THE CAMRY

BUT FOR THOSE BEARINGS, NSK AND KOYO ARE THE ONLY OEM MANUFACTURERS I KNOW AND I'VE USED KOYO TENSIONERS AND NGK IDLER PULLEYS WITHOUT A PROBLEM, IN FACT THATS THE BRAND TOYOTA PARTS COUNTERS SELL FOR TRIPLE THE PRICE AND WITH A TOYOTA BOX.

I replaced the Tensioner from an 1987 Gen2 that was there for 14years straight and was Koyo. Still spins smoothly and freely although it started to get a bit loud and hissy.

I contacted a parts store and I managed to get the Koyo Tensioner for $40 (incl. taxes). I'm waiting on the Koyo Idler also $40 (incl. taxes). I plan on changing my timing belt, seals, waterpump, ps & ac belts, coolant, p/s fluid and spark plugs this weekend...

If I can get my friend's digital cam, I might try to do a Howto guide with pictures seeing as people would find what I intend to do useful.


No need for caps