GT5000 Ground Drive V-Idler Pulley Question

[UrbanSniper]

I'm starting to tear my GT5000 (917.275972) down to replace a broken ground drive belt and had a question about one of the pulleys underneath. The transaxle pulley and the two pulleys on the right side of the frame in front of it seem fine, spinning freely, but the pulley closest to the PTO clutch (looking up from the left side, it's to the right of the PTO, horizontal, not vertical) doesn't; it has some resistance when I move it, though it's kind of like a soft ratcheting feel, not making any noise though, not wobbling or anything. I think this is the V-Idler pulley (part number 121361X by my manual). If so, should I try to replace it, or is it supposed to feel like that?

 

[ILENGINE]

Soft ratcheting feel to me would mean flat spotted bearings. And it would be easier and cheaper in the long run to replace it while you have the mower tore down.

 

[UrbanSniper]

Soft ratcheting feel to me would mean flat spotted bearings. And it would be easier and cheaper in the long run to replace it while you have the mower tore down.

Made sense to me; I've order a replacement, thanks!