Drive Belt Idler Pulley - Genuine VW 038145276

Product Information

The drive belt idler pulley works in conjunction with the tensioner pulley/tensioner assembly to maintain tension on the belt as well as guide the belt. Idler pulleys are also used to achieve ideal belt routing around the engine drive accessories such as the power steering pump, water pump, A/C compressor, and alternator.

The idler pulley is an often overlooked maintenance item but it is just as important as the belt tensioner itself. In most cases it is recommended to replace the idler pulley at the same time as the belt tensioner.

• Visible wear or grooves on pulley
• Belt squealing
• Chirping or grinding sounds coming from pulley bearing
• Odd or uneven belt wear
• Misalignment of pulley when compared to mounting surface

About Genuine VW Audi

The Volkswagen Group, also known as “VAG”, consists of Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, Ducati, MAN, Scania, SEAT, and Skoda. The original parts used by VAG to build your car are available as replacement parts under the “Genuine VAG” brand. Manufactured under the direction of VAG, expect excellent quality and a premium price since these parts are available exclusively through the VAG Dealership network.

You may not realize this, but the parts that make up your VAG are not necessarily manufactured by VAG. No cause for concern, as VAG designs the part, hires a manufacturer, and ensures its quality to you. In fact, many of these manufacturers have been making parts for VAG for decades. In our industry these manufacturers are called OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), and these are often brands you recognize, including Lemforder, ZF, Sachs, Bosch, Valeo, Zimmermann, Siemens VDO, Corteco, and more. Don’t be surprised to open that Genuine VAG parts box and find an OEM branded part inside, simply with the addition of a VAG logo.

Be sure to keep an eye out for OE tags on our product pages to quickly identify parts coming direct from OE manufacturers. That extra bit of insight could save you some serious money while shopping! Refer to our OE Academy for further information regarding the OE/OEM tags throughout the site.