Where Can I Get the Idler Pulley & Belt Tensioner???

[rpr]

I thought I had read on this forum that AutoZone carries the assembly for about $40. The AutoZone by me is telling me they don't stock it, and never have.

Am I just talking to the wrong guy at the parts counter? Where can I get this? Tx.

 

[Maniak]

You didn't say which motor you had.. but here are the number I've found.. at Checker Auto Parts (can't check autozone right now)..

1997 For Explorer..
For a 4.0 SOHC tensioner assembly p/n 89230 $45.99
For a 4.0 OHV same as above..
For a 5.0 OHV 10 rib tensioner p/n 91163 $207.99
6 rib tensioner p/n 90822 $ 138.99

I usually check our autozone.com before I go to the store.. that way I have the part # ready.. make it easier to find my parts..

~Mark

 

[rpr]

Tx. I went down to the local AutoZone to look at the part they said they had that was just the tensioner (they said it did not include the pulley). They said they did not have the entire tensioner and pulley assembly, but based on prior experience, I am always skeptical of any info I get from auto parts retailers until I look at the part myself. Lo & behold, the part they pulled out was the entire assembly. p/n 49202 (for '97 4.0 SOHC).

Is it just me...or is it impossible to get a correct answer or the right part from an auto parts retailer? I don't mean to sound arrogant, and I certainly make mistakes myself, but I almost never get the correct part from any auto part retailers around here the first time (Long Island).

Case in point, my first shot at this was to just get the idler pulley from Pep Boys. They gave me the wrong pulley (different diameter and no "ribs" on the pulley surface). OK, so let's try AutoZone for the tesioner assembly since I heard others say they got theirs there, even though they said they didn't have it. Turns out they did have it, but the first part they pull out is a pulley. I say this is a pulley, not a tensioner. The guy looks at me indignantly and says that is the tensioner according to the computer. So I lean over the counter, look at the part number on the computer, and he gave me p/n 42902 instead of 49202. He went on to blame someone else for putting the part in the wrong place on the shelf. This happens to me at least 2 out of every 3 times I need to get something from an auto parts retailer. Actually, it's about the same with any type of retail store I deal with. Sorry for the rant...but is it just me, or is it the nature of the beast with the retail industry these days?

 

[Alec]

Out of the 5 or so Autozones fairly close to my apt in Austin, I only like 1 of them for over the counter parts. You just need to find a store with people who know their shtuff. Many times the people behind the counter have never worked on a car before in their life and depend on the books and computers. God forbid they have to think or know what a part looks like.

It's the luck of the draw, as with any retail store.

 

[Maniak]

I seem to run into this problem quite a bit.. I will go back to a store a few times.. in hopes of getting someone who is good.. Once I find someone who is good.. I find out when they normally work.. and only deal with that person..

The other thing I do is use an autoparts store that is geared to the mechanic.. You don't normally get lifetime warranty on things etc.. but if you need something.. they have the computer.. and just about every parts book ever made.. and can order the part.. and so far, it has been right every time.. it does cost a little more.. usually a $30 part at autozone would be $35 at "merles" in Tucson, Az.. but Merles is what mechanics use.. instead of autozone.. and now I know why..

~Mark

 

[yob_yeknom]

Advance, Autozone, Pepboys and others (usually identified by noticing a large amount of accessories and the like out on shelves accessable by customers and not a large area for employees only where parts would be kept) are mainly auto accessories stores and not so much parts stores. Usually run by a bunch of idiots who've probably never even popped the hood on a car, much less know what a part is.
NAPA and Fisher and others (usually the opposite of those mentioned above) are more parts stores, where you should find competant workers.

My dad, ASE certifed parts specialist (or something like that) has worked at quite a few parts stores and I've been in all of them. What I said above is usually the way it goes.

 

[Maniak]

Yob_yeknom.
I noticed the people at Napa do seem to know parts.. except.. I have also noticed that napa stands for "never any part available".. but they can always order it..



~Mark