rebuilding the timing belt tensioners

[Brian]

This past hot summer had me thinking about rebuilding an OEM tensioner pulley that I kept after replacing it with a new one because it was making a high pitched noise. I sent out this rebuilding subject to the group here a few years ago and someone here directed me to a Goldwing site that had listed many different idler pulley replacement options and mounting techniques. I chose the Gates T42015 using a 10mm flathead bolt, lock washer and nut. Used JB Weld as a filler around the tappered head to take up the space and to act somewhat as a bushing. I used blue loctite and 26ft.lbs of torque when tightening the nut. Here are the before and after pictures. I hope to put it on the bike this weekend to try it out. This rebuild was completed for around $20

[ValkFlyer]

Let us know how they work out, thanks.

[Brian]

Sure will.

[Blackduck]

Looking good.
May I suggest using a Nyloc nut instead of the plain nut and washer, Far less chance of the nut coming loose.
Cheers Steve

[John Schmidt]

Nice work, but one needs to remember.....the main reason those tensioners make a high pitched noise/squeal is because they're set too tight. 

[Brian]

John,
I had the belt tension set using just the spring when the whining started, it just so happens to set the tension right at the high side of the shop manual recommendation. The bearing in the OEM tensioner did have side to side wobble and was rough sounding in comparison to the other side. The high pitch whine was gone with the new one from Honda. If the Goldwing Riders can run these why can't we? I figured i would it give it a try since most of my riding is local. For those of our club members who carry spare parts, this would fit the ticket if they had one to rebuild. I just installed this rebuilt unit last night to try it out.

Also with the tension set using just the spring the idler pulleys can be turn by hand. There is not much tension on these anyway.

I will keep you all informed on how it works.

[John Schmidt]

Please do keep us informed on your rebuild.

[Old Geezer Richard]

  Hey Brian , great idea and I wanted to know where exactly did you get those new tensioner's from   ( what company or web site )    because I myself would like to replace mine and order some  ....  to me $ 20 is not a bad investment and cheap insurance at the same time  ...  Thanks the Geezer 

[John U.]

Amazon has the Gates Idler bearings mentioned. 
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IVPEZM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

They also have the same thing made or sold by AC Delco.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EQS3OU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[Brian]

This information is available in Goldwing paper written and posted on Google. Just type in Gates Idler pulley T42015. They give about 8 different methods. I opted to try my own method based on their suggestions. This what I came with when looking for metric hardware at my local hardware store.

I ordered 2 pulley's thru amazon like in the previous link mentioned. I ordered the two to take advantage of the free shipping and not knowing what method I would use I figured I would have one if I messed one up trying to enlarge the hole to accomodate a heavier bolt. I actually like the wheel stud idea but the 10mm stud they recommend was about another 14 bucks.

Riding this weekend and almost 100 miles on it and no problems so far. Good luck guys if you have old ones to rebuild.