Ins and outs of an idler pulley

[bradleyheathhays]

So on a '96 XJ 4.0 I believe the pulley you adjust for belt tension is called an idler pulley, but are any of the other pulleys called an 'idler pulley?'

Reason I'm asking is my adjustable idler pulley was wiggling in it's bracket so I ordered an 'idler pulley' off rockauto that was not labeled correctly. Apparently it was grooved, although not labeled as such. But, because it was labeled as 'idler pulley' I assumed it was the adjustable non-grooved pulley I needed to replace.

Basically if the adjustable pulley in the 4.0 is the only one called an 'idler pulley' I'll use that as leverage for them to refund my shipping it back to them.

 

[superj]

I believe any pulley that is not on an accessory is called an idler. I think the one you want is called a tensioner pulley

 

[JPNinPA]

Yes tensioner. But on Rock auto it's an idler pulley. You need to scroll down to find the smooth ones. Be sure the diameter is the same.

Regards,
JPNinPA

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[bradleyheathhays]

Right on. Thanks for the info and the video