Best Car Idler Pulleys of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 25, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Car idler pulleys are an essential component within a vehicle's engine system. The idler pulley's primary function is to regulate the tension on the engine's belts, ensuring they operate correctly and efficiently. These pulleys are typically made of high-grade materials, such as steel or aluminum, to ensure they can withstand the demands of the engine's operation. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, providing reliable performance over an extended period. Car idler pulleys are available in various sizes and designs, making them suitable for a wide range of vehicle applications. With their crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of your car's engine, it's essential to choose a high-quality idler pulley for your vehicle.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ACDelco Gold Idler Pulley Cover #TOP 1
ACDelco Gold Idler Pulley
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ACDelco Gold 38009 Idler Pulley Cover #TOP 2
ACDelco Gold 38009 Idler Pulley
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Gates Idler Pulley 36299 Cover #TOP 3
Gates Idler Pulley 36299
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Car Idler Pulleys

#TOP 1

ACDelco Gold Idler Pulley

38001
Black
ACDelco Gold Idler Pulley Cover
ACDelco Gold 38001 (88909582) Idler Pulley

The ACDelco Gold 38001 Idler Pulley helps to ensure the drive belt is correctly routed and aligned. This steel pulley is a premium aftermarket replacement part, manufactured to meet specifications for General Motors vehicles as well as most other makes and models.

What We Like
Easy installation process
OEM fit and compatibility
Smooth, quiet operation
Durable construction quality
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Missing screws and hardware
#TOP 2

ACDelco Gold 38009 Idler Pulley

38009
Black
ACDelco Gold 38009 Idler Pulley Cover
ACDelco Gold 38009 (88909590) Flanged Idler Pulley

The ACDelco Idler Pulley is designed to ensure that your drive belt remains aligned and properly routed, which is essential for your vehicle's performance. This premium aftermarket part is manufactured to meet strict specifications, ensuring that it fits seamlessly with General Motors vehicles as well as many other makes and models. By using this idler pulley, you can enhance the overall functionality of your vehicle, leading to improved efficiency and reduced wear on other components. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to maintain their vehicle's performance.

What We Like
Good fit on multiple vehicles
High quality bearings
Easy installation
Reduces noise
Durable construction
What We Don't Like
Lack of measurements in description
Slightly stiff when new
#TOP 3

Gates Idler Pulley 36299

36299
Gates Idler Pulley 36299 Cover
Gates 36299 Idler Pulley

The Gates Idler Pulley is expertly crafted from steel and thermoplastic, ensuring it meets strict manufacturing standards for long-lasting durability. This pulley is built to resist dirt, salt, chemicals, and other contaminants commonly found under the hood, helping to maintain your vehicle's performance. It offers an original equipment quality fit for nearly all domestic and import vehicles, ensuring compatibility. Additionally, the bearings are designed to meet or surpass original equipment standards, allowing them to handle high temperatures and specific load requirements effectively. This means you can trust the Gates Idler Pulley to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

What We Like
Easy installation
OEM fit and performance
Long lifespan
Quick delivery
Works for multiple GM models
#TOP 4

ACDelco Gold 36299 Idler Pulley

36299
Black
ACDelco Gold 36299 Idler Pulley Cover
ACDelco Idler Pulley With Bolt for 2020-2021 Freightliner MT45 - 36299

The ACDelco Gold 36299 Idler Pulley with Bolt, 17 mm Insert, Dust Shield, Retainer, and Spacer is a premium aftermarket replacement part designed for General Motors vehicles as well as most makes and models. It is manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function. The bearing is specifically designed to meet the speed and load requirements of your vehicle. With the ACDelco Idler Pulley, you can ensure optimal performance and reliability. Whether you need to replace a worn-out pulley or upgrade to a high-quality part, this idler pulley is the perfect choice. Its durable construction and precise fit will provide you with peace of mind and keep your vehicle running smoothly.

What We Like
Easy installation
OEM quality
Good price
Durable construction
Exact vehicle fit
What We Don't Like
Confusing size listing
#TOP 5

ACDelco Gold Air Conditioning Drive Belt Idler Pulley

15-20676
Black
ACDelco Gold Air Conditioning Drive Belt Idler Pulley Cover
ACDelco Gold 15-20676 Air Conditioning Drive Belt Idler Pulley

The ACDelco Gold Air Conditioning Drive Belt Idler Pulley is a premium aftermarket replacement part designed to meet the specifications for fit, form, and function for General Motors vehicles as well as most makes and models. This idler pulley provides the performance and dependability that you expect from ACDelco. With its high-quality construction and durable materials, it ensures smooth and efficient operation of your vehicle's air conditioning drive belt. Whether you need to replace a worn-out idler pulley or want to upgrade to a reliable and long-lasting component, the ACDelco Gold Air Conditioning Drive Belt Idler Pulley is the perfect choice. It offers the convenience of easy installation and the benefit of improved air conditioning performance, ensuring a comfortable driving experience even in hot weather.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Quiet, no operating noise
Good material quality
Perfect fit for specified vehicles
OEM replacement part
What We Don't Like
Mounting hardware not included
Possible fitment size issues
#TOP 6

Dorman 419-602 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley

419-602
Black
Dorman 419-602 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley Cover
Dorman 419-602 Idler Pulley (Pulley Only) Compatible with Select Models

The Dorman 419-602 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley is a reliable replacement for your original pulley that may have failed due to vibration or corrosion. Constructed from quality materials, this pulley ensures long service life and functionality. It is a direct replacement designed to match the fit and function of the original pulley on specified applications. To ensure that this part fits your exact vehicle, simply input your make, model, and trim level into the garage tool. Backed by a team of product experts in the United States, it is a trustworthy choice for car owners.

What We Like
Easy installation
Direct replacement fit
Eliminates noise
Good quality
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Smaller bushing requires swap
#TOP 7

Dorman 419-5007 Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley

419-5007
Black
Dorman 419-5007 Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley Cover
Dorman 419-5007 Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley Compatible with Select Models

The Dorman 419-5007 Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley is a direct replacement for the original pulley on certain vehicles. It fixes issues such as noise and poor performance resulting from a worn idler pulley. The pulley is application-specific, designed to match the original equipment pulley on specified vehicle models. It is made of trustworthy quality and backed by a team of engineers and quality specialists in the United States. To ensure the perfect fit, input your vehicle's make, model, and trim level into the garage tool.

What We Like
Exact fit replacement
Easy installation
Reduces noise
Good quality
Works on multiple vehicles
What We Don't Like
Slight size mismatch for some models
Does not fit all vehicles
#TOP 8

GM Genuine Parts 15-40607 Belt Idler Pulley

12739915
GM Genuine Parts 15-40607 Belt Idler Pulley Cover
GM Genuine Parts 15-40607 (12739915) Belt Idler Pulley

The GM Idler Pulley is designed to help fix noisy pulley bearings, making your ride quieter and more comfortable. It’s made by GM engineers who create and test these parts specifically for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles, so you can trust it fits perfectly. This pulley is an original equipment part, meaning it’s built to work safely with your vehicle’s systems, unlike some aftermarket parts that might not meet the same safety standards. Plus, GM keeps improving their parts by using the latest materials and technology, ensuring you get a reliable and up-to-date product.

What We Like
Exact OEM replacement
Easy installation
Includes mounting bolt
Reduces noise
Potentially extends belt life
#TOP 9

Dorman 419-672 Drive Belt Idler Pulley

419-672
Dorman 419-672 Drive Belt Idler Pulley Cover
Dorman 419-672 Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley Compatible with Select Dodge/Jeep Models

The Dorman Idler Pulley is designed as a direct replacement for your vehicle’s original pulley, ensuring it fits and works just like the part it replaces. If you’ve been bothered by annoying squealing or groaning noises, this pulley helps restore smooth and quiet operation by fixing worn-out components. It’s carefully reverse engineered from original designs to match specific Dodge and Jeep models, so you get a perfect fit. Plus, it’s developed and tested by a dedicated team of engineers and quality experts in the U.S., giving you confidence in its reliability and performance.

What We Like
Easy installation
Quiet operation
Quality construction
Affordable price
Perfect fit
What We Don't Like
Occasional fitment issue
Longevity uncertain
#TOP 10

Dorman 419-610 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley

419-610
Assorted
Dorman 419-610 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley Cover
Dorman 419-610 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley Compatible with Select Models

The Dorman 419-610 Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Pulley is a reliable replacement for the original pulley that failed due to vibration or corrosion. It is made from durable quality materials that ensure long-lasting performance. It is a direct replacement designed to match the fit and function of the original pulley on specified applications. To ensure that this part fits your exact vehicle, input your make, model and trim level into the garage tool. This car belt tensioner is backed by a team of product experts in the United States and more than a century of automotive experience.

What We Like
Excellent fit and compatibility
Good value for money
Reduces engine noise
Easy installation process
High-quality construction
What We Don't Like
Minor washer/washer fitment differences
Excessive bearing grease
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if idler pulley fails while driving?

If an idler pulley fails while driving, it can lead to the vehicle stopping working. Although idler pulleys may not be well-known car components, they are essential for seamless engine performance.

2. How much is an idler pulley for a car?

The cost of replacing an idler pulley can range from $80 to $200. This includes the cost of the new part and labor. The price of the idler pulley itself typically ranges from $40 to $90, while the labor costs about $40 to $110.

3. Will a car start with a bad idler pulley?

A failing idler pulley can prevent the alternator from charging properly, resulting in a dead battery. As a result, the engine may not start.

4. What are the signs of a bad idler pulley?

Signs of a bad idler pulley include squealing sound from the engine belt, worn out surface, faulty bearing or pulley, excessive spinning, or the idler pulley not spinning or spinning slowly.

5. How do I know if my idler pulley needs to be replaced?

One indication that an idler pulley needs to be replaced is a squealing noise from the engine belt. As the pulley wears, the belt may rub against its surface, causing the noise. Over time, the issue will worsen, and the idler pulley will eventually require replacement.

Editor's Notes

During our car idler pulley research, we found 24 car idler pulley products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 46,014 customer reviews through our big data system to write the car idler pulleys list. We found that most customers choose car idler pulleys with an average price of $18.53.

The car idler pulleys are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of car idler pulleys, including ACDelco, Gates, Dorman, GM GENUINE PARTS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.