Went to start the car and scary knocking noise started after about 30 secs. I found the alternator drive belt had split and 'jumped' a couple of grooves on the steering pump pulley. Assuming this was the culprit, I removed both belts for replacement - then I found the real problem - the crank pulley damping rubber has sheared and this section just slid off! (03 STi 53k miles)
Other than the usual problem of not able to budge the bloody crank bolt (It was off a few weeks ago for a cambelt change) I'd like some comment on whether to get a standard damped replacement or an aluminium lightweight unit? Subaru fit a damped unit for a reason so what's the advantage of the solid lightweight type?

Thanks JohnD

 

Cdf ones look nice

I'm sure someone technical will be able to advise further on advantages though

 

Good points are they look good and are lighter but the negative is they do not dampen the vibrations of being a drive pulley and so this is carried over to the crank and more so the bearings giving increased wear on them.

This is why I decided to stick with the original dampened crank pulley and only swap the alternator and PS pump.

 

Damper is there for a reason can end up causing damage to the woodruff key, idstick to a genuine subaru one for the sake of a bit bling lol

 

I looked through archive threads and they are mostly from around 4 or 5 years ago. I wonder if 4 years on some of those who fitted billet pulleys have any comment, pro's and con's ?
I had to resort to the starter motor trick to undo the pulley bolt!

JohnD

 

i very much doubt you will find anyone with a issue, only on standard pulleys .. i haven't come across what single issue with a lightweight pulley in 10 years