You apparently assumed I was talking about JUST the metco setup...they are not the only game in town for idlers.

Taken from the BilletFlow website:

"Our pulleys are made from 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum and CNC machined to Perfection! We use High Speed Bearing for long service life and quiet operation. We use five retention screws to not only keep the Bearing seated in the pocket but also keep the bearings outer race from spinning in the bore from thermal expansion and wallowing out causing pulley failure."

Thanks again for trying to educate me again Tim, but it was not needed this time

 

First, my assumption was well-grounded, considering that the only idlers discussed were Metcos.

And, upon re-reading your post, you stated "most aftermarket idlers." I'll bet Metco outsells BilletFlow 10-to-1.

Second, "High Speed Bearing for long service life and quiet operation" does not make it clear that the BilletFlow bearings are in any way different from or better than the stock bearings. That, in fact, is a completely accurate description of the stock bearings. It seems to be equally possible that the BilletFlows are worse than stock. I'm not saying that this is the case, only that the phrase cited is inconclusive evidence to support an "higher speed bearings and different grease" assertion.

No "education" intended -- just putting you to your proof. Remember, ~night~, I do this argue in writing thing for a living. Spotting inconsistencies, unsupported arguments, logical fallacies, etc. is second nature to me.

"The chair now recognizes ~nightcrawler~ for rebuttal."

 

The stock bearing dust covers are black, the newer pullies and idler kits come with a bearing cover that is orange. Is there a differeance or just simply different color covers? I purchased two idlers from chickenears and a new bearing to replace my older idler pulley bearing. All three had the orange cover, my older idler pulley bearing appeared same as stock with a black dust cover, same as the stock pulley. They appeared the same but are they different?

 

Look on the bearings themselves. I dunno about auto bearings, but industrial bearings are pretty much standardized. So Timken, SKF, etc. each produces a "5485" or whatever and they can be cross-referenced and are pretty much of standardized quality/specs. So one might use a different color plastic than another and still be the same bearing for all intents and purposes.

Once again, I cannot say in this particular circumstance.

 

Tim,

Irregardless of what you got out of what I said or what billetflow says, as I stated in my first post, that I've simply heard that aftermarket pulleys are supposedly better than stock. I wasn't trying to prove a fact here I was just answering a question about why anyone would want/need to replace the stock idler setup.

I'm going to pick up a set of Billetflows to replace my squeeling stock setup so we will see how well the hold up and you'll be the first to know Tim.

I was gone for the weekend and figured the jury was still out on this one so I decided to throw in a last ditch effort...did I mention I don't like lawyers Tim

Until next time...

 

For some reason that reminds me of the bandwagon everyone jumped on and bought the Cobra "R" water pumps. Everyone "heard" they were supposed to be better, when they weren't really needed or proved to be better at all. Sounds like a textbook definition of "hearsay" to me.

Somone needs to prove the bearings in the idlers to be better with some sort of independant, non-biased wear test to get solid results.

 

I really don't believe that is the point of installing the Metco set up. At least it is not for me. I am installing the upper idler to position the belt for better grip on my upper pulley. The other two are simply so I can hear people say, "those look cool", when I open the hood. I used them on my stock eaton and they stopped my belt slip. I am now hoping for the same results on my Kenne Bell.


Thanks for answering my questions so fast Tim....and I mean fast. I had a reply in like 5 minutes...LOL. I think your a night owl like me.

It is a pleasure doing business with you again.


Rocks....(Ron)

 

I was really just referring to the replacement idlers and not the Auxiliary setup that repositions the belt.

 

Oh....OK, I was thinking you had misread the thread.....I see what your saying now .

Actually...the Metco sight states that the bearings are of the same quality as Stock. I don't know where the idea that they are somehow better came from. I think, bearings are bearings.


Rocks

 

lol, can't argue with tim, i think i should be a lawyer, i'm pretty good at that crap too. At least generally.

 

Me either.

 

Not that it will prove much but when I get my billetflow idlers in I will try to get some pics of the bearings compared to the stock setup...hell I might even get the new metco setup and see if I can get to their bearings as well.

 

The problem with the Metco/OEM bearings are the dust caps don't keep the grease inside the bearings. If you take one of your oem pulleys off, you will see grease on the surface and inside of the pulley where it was forced out around the dust caps. The bearings overtime will start to squeel as all the grease is slowly forced out of the bearing. You can simpley go to a bearing house with a oem bearing and have them match the size and sell you SEALED bearings which will solve this problem. The bearings will cost about $4 each.

Metco had told me this is not an issue, but I think there full of chit as they now have improved bearings in there pulley systems.

 

So are they sealed now?

 

Yes, they should have sealed bearings in all there new pulleys.
If not, they will glady offer you better bearings for more money...