Many of us have been plagued by squealing, squeaky, noise power steering idler pulley bearings.

A tell tale sign is grease around the bearing. It's a sealed bearing, and there shouldn't be any grease.

Mine was leaking and noisy, replacing it fixed the problem.

This isn't a howto, as it's a pretty easy job.

What isn't obvious though is that if you replace the bearing, you need to replace the collar as well. The collar is the metal sleeve that slides over the bolt, and the pulley sits on the collar.

The replacement bearings are all metal, as opposed to the original bearing that has a plastic bearing case. The replacement bearing is also slightly wider front to back.

If you put the new bearing on the old collar, your idle pulley will be out to far, and won't line up with the P/S pulley. The replacement collar is smaller front to back than the original collar.

While you're at it, order the dust cover, it's probably missing.

Part #'s and approximate prices

Bearing 9960-62-3030 $20.00
Dust Cover N3A1-15-934 $8.00
Collar N3A1-15-933 $8.00

 

The bearing I have used in the past were a direct replacement . Twenty six dollars from Flarida Bros auto parts .

 

I thought about looking for a direct replacement, but opted to go OEM just because it takes far less time.

 

I've rebuilt a few of the pumps. When a new pump is over $1000, there isn't much choice unless you want to go with a used one.

 

I found some idler pulley bearings. The idler pulley bearing is pressed in the steel pulley, so you should use a small press or arbor to replace the bearing. When installing the new bearing, you must press on the outside race of the bearing (use a large socket, short steel pipe, etc.) Do NOT press on the inner race or middle seal/cover to install a bearing. The bearing has to be pressed all the way into the pulley so the pulley will line back up with the PS belt.
This bearing is a common type 6303 bearing, double sealed. The size is 17mmID x 47mmOD x 14mm. I found a few replacement parts below. Google "6303 bearing" will lead you to many more sources.
Original bearing part number - NSK 6303DU2
MSC Industrial Supply - #35434802 (Import) $11, #45668118 (SKF) $22
Grainger - #6L052 $18