Recently, I got an serpentine belt idler pulley for my 2000 XJ8.

The Jag part # is C2C 22758. Printed on it is the FoMoCo part # 2W93-19A216-BA.

A quick search online at Rock Auto tells me that this will fit a 2004 Thunderbird. The belt tensioner looks like it will fit also. Both components are half the price of the "Jag" units.
Strangely, the same site sells an idler pulley for the 2000 XJ8. A Gates part like the others but it is a wrong fit. You know how I know! Had to return it.

Hope it saves a few bucks.

 

So the Ford idler worked but the gates tensioners did not? Please clarify.

 

Rock Auto has the wrong idler pulley listed for the 2000 XJ8.

 

Found that the idler bearing on the serpentine accessory drive was squealing badly when cold and repacking with new grease did not seem to improve it.

With a friendly contact at the local Kragen/OReily we found that an in stock item GATES 38028 pulley fits exactly. Also fixed the squealing noise.
This was for a Smooth Flat pully

I do not know what it is a replacement for but FYI, fit an function seem to be fine.

Interesting that a Google of Gates 38028 and a Gates search of 38028 show different, one is ribbed and one is flat
Flat:
http://www.gatespowerpro.com/Comerge...TOKEN=80685538

Ribbed:
http://www.amazon.com/Gates-38028-Be.../dp/B000C2UHH2

 

Very interesting. A lot of people have their wires crossed.

Initially I was sent Gates 36270 which is smooth but has a ridge at each side of the pulley face. It does not fit.

 

Whats involved in replacing this?

 

I removed the cooling fans, 2 bolts, and a connector (30mins)
Loosen the belt tension by leveraging the tensioner away from the belt, I think it was a 3/8th drive. (5 mins)
Remove belt (5 mins)
Remove bolt in center of idler, I think it was a 13/14/15mm?
Replace idler.
You can also remove the tensioner with one bolt and check the pulley on that too.
Reassemble
There are pictures in the site here of the belt lay out.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks DS, just bought the correct pulley for $24.00 using that 38028 gates number. I had bought one from partswholesale online paid $71.00 and they sent me a part that doesn't even go to my car. RMA and local auto store for the right one for 24.

 

Is there a graphic or photos on replacing the idler pulleys.

Couldn't find much on the net.

thx

2003 vdp 4.0l

 

Is this the pulley at 7 oclock looking at the engine from front? Just above the alternator?
Does it have the raised edge?

Cant see a picture on rock.

 

Yes, that is where the pulley is.

The old one has a raised edge, the new one not. Same diameter though. The adjacent alternator pulley has a raised edge. That should keep the belt in check.

 

This did not fit the XJ8 4.0 l?

 

No, the pulley was too narrow for the belt.

 

Couldn't find a match for the idler with a lip!

Seems the new replacements are smooth, no lip.

Sooooooooo I bought another pulley like the tensioner, and used that.

$24.00.

Seems to work.

Still get belt noise, or another pulley screetch, just not those two pulleys!!\

Noise was low trans gears.

 

This site is the best! I tackled this today because the sound was awful. I didn't know where the nose was coming from but it was very obvious with the belt removed.
I could not find a part in Canada except that would take 3 days to get here. So I was on the Rock Auto site, about to order the part, but I didn't like the look of it.
Thta's when I came here, and it saved me ordering the wrong part! I have a 38028 coming tomorrow, and I'll post how it goes. BTW on my 98 you don't need to remove any pieces to get at it.

 

Ok it is in and working great. Once again she floats down the road in majestic silence, rather than sounding like a 93 Ford Aerostar.
I have measurements of all dimensions if someone wants it, but basically it is the same as the previous unit, except the new one does not have a lip on it. The old one had part number NCA2221AA. Replacement as per the JTIS is dead easy, 5 minutes work. Also $33 versus $113 at the dealer.

 

More than you ever wanted to know about the GATES 38028 idler pulley:

Gates Online Catalog

.... argh! no direct linking to the spec sheet ... click on the part# to get to the spec sheet

Now, if RockAuto would put a note in their catalog the world would be at peace

 

Ok, now that I have read the wonderful posts about the correct pulley, is there anything I need to know about when I take the old one off? Does the bolt just unscrew?

 

that's it, unscrew and R & R. Bolt back on.

 

As I recall, yes, but it was tight. I suggest that since you have the belt off, replace it too. I like the Gates gator back. It has been quiet hot and cold.