Change out idler pulley or water pump?

[Art's Auto]

2003 Silverado 1500 4X4 5.3L AT, 90K miles. I'm about to change spark plugs, plug wires, and the accessory drive belt (aka fan belt). This truck has been trouble free (knocking on wood now...) - it's just getting close to 100K miles and I thought I'd get a jump on these things. My question is: would you preemptively replace either the water pump or the idler pulley? I plan on keeping the truck quite a while longer, and if these things usually don't last much longer, I'll do it now, especially if the belt replacement is a pain. On the other hand, if the WP and the IP typically last another 50K or more, I'll just do the belt. Thanks for your advice... Art

[toddman67]

If it's not broken don't fix it. While you have your belt off, check for unusual wear on the pulley and pump bearings. Pay peticular attention to the tensioner pulley. An earlier guest had a bad tensioner pulley on his 2001 suburban. If evrything seems tight, just change the belt.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Art's Auto

2003 Silverado 1500 4X4 5.3L AT, 90K miles. I'm about to change spark plugs, plug wires, and the accessory drive belt (aka fan belt). This truck has been trouble free (knocking on wood now...) - it's just getting close to 100K miles and I thought I'd get a jump on these things. My question is: would you preemptively replace either the water pump or the idler pulley? I plan on keeping the truck quite a while longer, and if these things usually don't last much longer, I'll do it now, especially if the belt replacement is a pain. On the other hand, if the WP and the IP typically last another 50K or more, I'll just do the belt. Thanks for your advice... Art

the belts need replacing when cracks are found...this is usually 4 years....50,ooomi.....

I have had water pumps last 10,ooomi to 250,ooomi...
keeping the coolant system properly maintained will make the pump last a long time...

[ukrkoz]

Originally Posted by toddman67

If it's not broken don't fix it. .

Amen!! don't fix it if it ain't brok.

yes, do replace the belt. find my post on it.

[Art's Auto]

Sounds good - I'll just replace the belt unless I find evidence of something else wrong. Thanks for the input! Art