Idler Pulley

[Harry]

I noticed a good racket on the 230SL the last time we had it out and began to investigate this morning.  I found that A/C belt was off track and the idler pulley was literally hanging on the mount - bearings long gone.  I can’t believe the pulley itself hadn’t fallen off.
So what’s the best path forward from here?  Can you buy replacement bearings or should you replace everything?

Thanks,
Harry

[doitwright]

The pulley with bearing can be found on eBay.

[dirkbalter]

Harry,
I had the same issue.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperCat/5739/MBZ_5739_VENTAC_pg1_a-c-idler-pulleys-and-parts.htm

[Harry]

It looks as though the bearing race on the pulley is secured with a snap ring (circlip).  Are the bearings themselves available?  Looks like removing the race from the male piece would be difficult.

[ja17]

Yes some of them have removable bearings which are easily sourced. 

[Shvegel]

  Almost sure it is a 6202 bearing.  To be sure measure the three measurements for what you have left, Inside diameter, outside diameter and  thickness.  The 6202 measures 15mm ID, 35mm OD and 11mm thick.  If I am wrong just search in the following format,  "(ID) x (OD) x (thickness) bearing".  In the case of the 6202 for example 15mm x 35mm x 11mm bearing.  Buy a good brand like SKF or FAG with rubber seals (2RS on the end of the part number.  6202 2RS) and it will last a very long time.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Drive-Belt-Idler-Pulley-Bearing-Accessory-Drive-Belt-Idler-Bearing-Beck-Arnley/274605902165?fits=Model%3A280SL%7CMake%3AMercedes-Benz&epid=115154590&hash=item3fefc98955:g:ylkAAOSwngJd3fId

[FGN59]

I’ve always been surprised by retail prices for most items in the US compared with Europe: with few exceptions, the same or equivalent item is significantly more on our side of the ocean (easily 20%, sometimes 50%). Many reasons for that (VAT, regulation, differences in supply efficiency), with the effect clearly visible.

To get back to the subject at hand, I buy bearings from a specialist website (123roulements, ie 123bearings) a lot cheaper than on eBay:

https://www.123roulement.com/rubrique?q=6202%202rs

You get choice of brand and low priçes. I’m sure the equivalent exists in the US.