XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 ) 1997 - 2003

1998 XJ8 VDP serpentine belt tensioner or idler pulley?

Old Nov 1, 2025 | 11:12 AM
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Default 1998 XJ8 VDP serpentine belt tensioner or idler pulley?


Hey all,
This pulley seems to have totally worn off and needs replacement. I noticed it from the terrible sound coming from under the hood. Looking for a new part on eBay and just trying to determine exactly which type of pulley it is?
Thanks!
 
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Old Nov 1, 2025 | 01:09 PM
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That considered an IDLER PULLEY.
 
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Old Nov 1, 2025 | 05:25 PM
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A "terrible sound" comes normally from the idler pulley.
I can't remember specifically for the X308, but maybe you are able to simply swap the bearings of that idler pulley or use a generic replacement idler pulley. You'll figure it out after removing the idler pulley. To replace the bearing you'll normally need a hydraulic press. The bearings would be generic from a bearing shop. To get to the pulley, you need to remove the drive belt (and if that it old, replace it, while you are at it). To remove the belt, temporarily remove tension by pulling the tensioner back with a 3/8 ratchet. Also: Check the pulley of that tensioner - that might be a squealer, too. And if you want to get to the pulley of the tensioner, there is a chance that the bolt holding it needs to be turned clock-wise to open (this might be model specific, and I do not know, if the X308 has it like that - just a heads-up...).
 
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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 06:53 AM
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You will want to replace both the idler and tensioner pulleys as they’re both plastic. Upgrade with both metal pulleys.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 12:17 AM
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If addicted says those pulleys are plastic, I believe him. As I worked of various models I did not know anymore, what the X308 has.
There is a big chance that the bearing of a plastic pulley cannot be replaced.
In that case, the next best action is to walk with those pulleys into a shop for car-parts, and see, if that have a generic metal pulley of the right size and design...
 
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 10:57 AM
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ACDELCO38028. At Rock Auto for about $20.
 
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