cabrio993

Something odd caught my eye today while checking oil levels, checking belts tensions, etc.

I see the alternator belt eaten half way through.

Under further examination, I see sensor roller wheel had lost its platic surround, leaving exposed the bare metal bearing. It seems that it was competely melted or broken to smaller atomic particles since I can't find a single piece of plastic anywhere.

Anyways, the electronic component of the sensor still works fine, I just need a new wheel but they don't sell this separately and you need to buy the complete sensor.

Anyone that has updated to an RS pulley, or that has replaced the whole sensor and has a wheel that wants to sell?

IXLR8

Well if it melted, that could be an indication of a faulty bearing.

Gunter

+1
Looks like the bearing is not turning and has rubbed off part of the belt.

If you cannot find a used complete sensor, consider replacing the old bearing with a new sealed bearing that has the same bore (I.D.) but a larger O.D. and run it straight on the belt.
Might work.

Falcondrivr

Vertex auto has the whle sensor for ~$80. Mine ate itself last month too.

cabrio993

Yes, that's correct and why I'm looking to replace the whole wheel / arm, not just the plastic part. The sensor is still good.

Thanks! I've been toying with that idea, but being the bearing metal and smooth, it may slide on the belt rather than spin on it.

Thanks for the tip. I went there and they have it for $99 it seems, but it's the cheapeast I've seen it. Pelican wants $130 for it! . I may go that route if I can find just the wheel.

Gunter

As an old experienced ME, I can assure you that the bearing will turn and not slide. The friction factor will easily overcome the very light spin resistance offered by the bearing.

I'd try and get a sealed bearing with the same bore but with a bigger O.D. and as wide as the belt.

Don't know much about computers but know a lot about ME.

cabrio993

Sounds good. I'll look for a 2" O.D. sealed bearing and I'll give it a try then.

Paul M

Try Sunset. I'm guessing their pricing will be similar to this:

993 106 035 00 MSRP $127.45 Core Price $0.00 Price $78.86

cabrio993

Thanks! That's more reasonable than the $130 that Pelican wants for it.

e9stibi

+1. Went exactly this route 6 weeks ago. Looks like this is a becoming a weak spot considering the age / mileage that our cars have. Mine was a 97 with 70k Miles and the bearing started to make noise.

swmic

Mine went out at around 133K, but the wheel was fine. It started throwing belt faults.

cabrio993

I just ordered the sensor & belts from Sunset.

I'll still fix the bad one once I find the right bearing to use to keep as a spare. Thanks to all for the help and suggestions!

TheBen

same thing happened to me last year. I pulled over right away though.

Gunter

The sensor is for the fan belt, not alternator.

When the alternator belt fails, the dash lights up like a X-mas tree instantly indicating the problem.

I think the fan belt is more important because it supplies cooling for the cylinders.

Heads up: The sensor is on the fan belt, not the alternator belt.

IXLR8

You do have a dash light when it does fail.