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I made this account just to ask this question. I’m currently changing the idler pulleys on my car. When I go to torque them down they do not spin freely. What could I be doing wrong? They are all brand new parts. 2011 g37 journey couple with 127k miles.
OEM replacement parts? Do they spin freely by hand prior to install? Are the washers fully seated?
Some resistance is normal for new bearings, however, if there is significant resistance or the pulley(s) do not spin at all (borderline seized) then those parts possibly are "duds."
OEM replacement parts? Do they spin freely by hand prior to install? Are the washers fully seated?
Some resistance is normal for new bearings, however, if there is significant resistance or the pulley(s) do not spin at all (borderline seized) then those parts possibly are "duds."
Not OEM, they spin freely by hand. They do not spin at all when torqued down to the block. It’s the pulleys next to the tensioner and the one right above it.
OEM and most reputable brand replacements come complete with washers, dust shield, and bolt. Looks like you have the generic Dayco pulley which, while there is nothing wrong going that route, can present issues.
Assuming all components are equal and you are torquing to 21Ft-lbs. if the pulley will not turn freely then something is binding. Double check to make the bolt and the washer(s)/ dust shield(s)/ spacer(s) are not hitting the pulley itself.
If it were me I'd return them and replace with OEM/ other complete units. Just my 10¢...
Last edited by ILM-NC G37S; Dec 7, 2025 at 11:41 AM.
OEM and most reputable brand replacements come complete with washers, dust shield, and bolt. Looks like you have the generic Dayco pulley which, while there is nothing wrong going that route, can present issues.
Assuming all components are equal and you are torquing to 21Ft-lbs. if the pulley will not turn freely then something is binding. Double check to make the bolt and the washer(s)/ dust shield(s)/ spacer(s) are not hitting the pulley itself.
If it were me I'd return them and replace with OEM/ other complete units. Just my 10¢...
I was able to fix the issue. I returned the pulley I showed you and bought a new one with all new hardware. The first one I bought did not play well with the oem hardware. New one bolted on just fine and spins freely.
Good news. Glad it all worked out in the end. Now you can drive on toward "likingmyinfiniti" rather than "hating" it, lol
Thank you for the help! I’ve noticed there are a lot of dedicated g37 owners here. It’s a great car even though it gets a bad rep these days. Side shows and all.
I was able to fix the issue. I returned the pulley I showed you and bought a new one with all new hardware. The first one I bought did not play well with the oem hardware. New one bolted on just fine and spins freely.
can you advise where you purchased parts + how much were they? Thanks
Any auto parts chain store or even rockauto.com would have options for you to choose. Just ensure the part(s) come complete with hardware and not just the pulley itself.
And, remember, there are two different types of idler pulley's on the G37: smooth surface and ribbed.
Thank you for the help! I’ve noticed there are a lot of dedicated g37 owners here. It’s a great car even though it gets a bad rep these days. Side shows and all. 
