New pulley or new stretch fit belt?

[alphatarget1]

Might be more of an economics question but here it is:

My AC idler pulley is kind of toast. A new pulley costs $29, and a normal new belt costs $11. I don't need to replace the belt just yet, maybe it'll last another 20k miles. Alternatively, I can buy a Gates stretch fit belt and a tool for about $40, and I won't have to worry about having a pulley there anymore. Seems like a no-brainer to buy the stretch fit belt, right? Am I missing anything?

Let's say my new pulley lasts another 110k miles. If my car lasts 220k+ miles, I'll have to replace the pulley again at 220k miles. The stretch fit belt costs 17 bucks and the regular belt costs 11 bucks. Assuming that the belt lasts ~50k miles, I'd have to replace once more for the stretch fit belt, and two more for the regular belt.

There is also a negligible weight saving by removing the pulley guide assembly thing. LOL.

 

[NutBucket]

The costs you're talking about are so minor I'd just replace the pulley and call it a day.

 

[JCH13]

If it's $40 for the Gates belt and tool, and $11+$29 = $40 for the OE equipment with no real difference in performance I see no advantage to the gates belt. Just stick with the OE setup and put on a new OE belt.

 

[alphatarget1]

Yeah, that's what I am leaning towards. The tool doesn't work for the newer Subarus (assuming I buy another one). It's just nice not having to worry about the pulley. I'm ordering a new pulley now. Thanks!