1981 Mercury Cougar Pulleys

Keep Your 1981 Mercury Cougar in Top Shape with a Quality Pulley

When it comes to maintaining or upgrading your 1981 Mercury Cougar, choosing high-quality parts is crucial for ensuring your vehicle stays in top shape, whether you’re tackling a repair or enhancing performance. At Advance Auto Parts, we know how important it is to find the right Pulley for your Cougar. We currently carry a top Pulley in stock that is built to last. Whether you’re replacing a damaged Pulley or looking to upgrade, our selection for the 1981 Mercury Cougar ensures you’ll find exactly what you need to keep your vehicle looking and performing its best.

Explore Related Parts

And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out related part categories like Oil Cooler Hoses and Serpentine and V Belts to complete your upgrade or repair project. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re proud to offer the parts and expertise to keep your 1981 Mercury Cougar running smoothly and looking great.

Essential 1981 Mercury Cougar Pulleys

Litens – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 76mm Diameter (Part No.900022A)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 76mm Diameter

from

$34.49
This Litens pulley is manufactured by one of the largest original equipment pulley suppliers to ensure proper fit and performance. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. This replacement part is made in the U.S.A. to the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty steel construction. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured by one of the largest original equipment part suppliers in the world to ensure proper form, fit, and performance.
  • Heavy Duty Steel Pulley with close tolerance ball bearing pocket and Electro-deposited coating for superior corrosion resistance
  • Installation instructions included.
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Litens – Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 94mm Diameter, w/ Hardware (Part No.900060A)

Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 94mm Diameter, w/ Hardware

from

$49.49
This pulley is manufactured by one of the largest original equipment pulley suppliers to ensure proper fit and performance. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. This replacement part is made in Canada to the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty steel pulley preassembled on a steel mounting bracket. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.
See More

Litens – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 70mm Diameter (Part No.900031A)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 70mm Diameter

from

$31.49
This pulley is manufactured by Litens Automotive the original equipment part supplier and the inventor of the first automatic belt tensioner in 1979 and today the world’s largest supplier of Original Equipment (O.E.) belt tensioning and routing products. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and as the pulley component on automatic tensioner applications. This pulley conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. The part is made in Canada using the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty thermoplastic construction for long life and trouble-free performance. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured by Litens, the largest original equipment tensioner and pulley supplier in the world, to ensure proper form, fit, and performance.
  • Heavy Duty Glass Reinforced Polymer Pulley for optimized dimensional control and running surface durability
  • Installation instructions included.
See More

Litens – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 90mm Diameter (Part No.900052A)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 90mm Diameter

from

$34.99
This Litens pulley is manufactured by one of the largest original equipment pulley suppliers to ensure proper fit and performance. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. This replacement part is made in the U.S.A. to the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty steel construction. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured by one of the largest original equipment part suppliers in the world to ensure proper form, fit, and performance.
  • Heavy Duty Steel Pulley with close tolerance ball bearing pocket and Electro-deposited coating for superior corrosion resistance
  • Installation instructions included.
See More

Dorman – Idler Pulley (Pulley only) (Part No.419-610)

Idler Pulley (Pulley only)

from

$13.79
This accessory drive belt tensioner pulley is designed to match the fit and function of the original pulley on specified applications. Made of quality materials, it is engineered for reliable performance and durability.

Product Features:
  • Direct replacement – this accessory drive belt tensioner pulley is designed to match the fit and function of the original pulley on specified applications
  • Restores functionality – reliable replacement for an original pulley that has failed due to vibration or corrosion
  • Durable construction – this part is made from quality materials to ensure reliable performance and long service life
  • Trustworthy quality – backed by team of product experts in the United States and more than a century of automotive experience
See More

Dayco – Idler Pulley, Dayco (Part No.89017)

Idler Pulley, Dayco

from

$41.99
Dayco idler/tensioner pulleys are built with smoother surfaces and tighter dimensional tolerances, which translates to less vibration and longer belt life. In addition to stamped, forged steel and powdered metal pulleys, Dayco also designs ultra-strong plastic pulleys with specially formulated glass-filled polymers that resist wear and tear. Premium lubricated ball bearings and double high temperature seals ensure peak bearing performance, the most critical element of a pulley’s service life.

Product Features:
  • Designed for the majority of automotive vehicle applications on the road today
  • High-quality materials help resist wear and improve belt life
  • Features premium lubricated bearings to extend service life
  • Meets or exceeds OE quality
See More

Dorman – Idler Pulley (Pulley only) (Part No.419-602)

Idler Pulley (Pulley only)

from

$14.99
This accessory drive belt tensioner pulley is designed to match the fit and function of the original pulley on specified applications. Made of quality materials, it is engineered for reliable performance and durability.

Product Features:
  • Direct replacement – this accessory drive belt tensioner pulley is designed to match the fit and function of the original pulley on specified applications
  • Restores functionality – reliable replacement for an original pulley that has failed due to vibration or corrosion
  • Durable construction – this part is made from quality materials to ensure reliable performance and long service life
  • Trustworthy quality – backed by team of product experts in the United States and more than a century of automotive experience
See More

Litens – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 76mm Diameter (Part No.900027A)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 76mm Diameter

from

$24.99
This pulley is manufactured by Litens Automotive the inventor of the first automatic belt tensioner in 1979 and today the world’s largest supplier of Original Equipment (O.E.) belt tensioning and routing products. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and as the pulley component on automatic tensioner applications. This pulley conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. The part is made in Canada using the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty thermoplastic construction for long life and trouble-free performance. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured by Litens, the largest original equipment tensioner and pulley supplier in the world, to ensure proper form, fit, and performance.
  • Heavy Duty Glass Reinforced Polymer Pulley for optimized dimensional control and running surface durability
  • OE-spec sealed ball bearings with synthetic grease and double lip seals for long life
See More

Litens – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 70mm Diameter (Part No.900125A)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 70mm Diameter

from

$32.49
Litens Automotive is the original equipment (O.E.) supplier for this application. This genuine Litens replacement pulley is also manufactured by Litens, the world’s largest supplier of original equipment power transmission products. Heavy duty thermoplastic pulley construction ensures long life and trouble-free performance. This pulley meets or exceeds all original equipment fit, form, and performance characteristics. For maximum performance and durability, always use genuine Litens components. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.

Product Features:
  • Heavy duty thermoplastic pulley construction
  • OE-spec sealed ball bearings with synthetic grease and double lip seals for long life
  • Installation instructions included
See More

Dorman – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Specific Fit, Plastic, 132.5 mm Diameter (Part No.419-644)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Specific Fit, Plastic, 132.5 mm Diameter

from

$21.99
This replacement accessory drive belt idler pulley has been engineered to match the function and performance of the original pulley on select vehicle years, makes and models, properly restoring critical vehicle operations.

Product Features:
  • Direct replacement – this accessory drive belt idler pulley matches the fit and function of the original equipment pulley on specified vehicles
  • Restores performance – fixes a failed, squealing or groaning noise from a worn idler pulley
  • Application specific – reverse engineered from the original design on certain vehicle years, makes and models
  • Trustworthy quality – backed by team of engineers and quality specialists in the United States
See More

Dayco – Idler Pulley, Dayco (Part No.89006)

Idler Pulley, Dayco

from

$31.99
Dayco idler/tensioner pulleys are built with smoother surfaces and tighter dimensional tolerances, which translates to less vibration and longer belt life. In addition to stamped, forged steel and powdered metal pulleys, Dayco also designs ultra-strong plastic pulleys with specially formulated glass-filled polymers that resist wear and tear. Premium lubricated ball bearings and double high temperature seals ensure peak bearing performance, the most critical element of a pulley’s service life.

Product Features:
  • Designed for the majority of automotive vehicle applications on the road today
  • High-quality materials help resist wear and improve belt life
  • Features premium lubricated bearings to extend service life
  • Meets or exceeds OE quality
See More

Dorman – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Specific Fit, Steel, 90 mm Diameter (Part No.419-605)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Specific Fit, Steel, 90 mm Diameter

from

$20.79
This replacement accessory drive belt idler pulley has been engineered to match the function and performance of the original pulley on select vehicle years, makes and models, properly restoring critical vehicle operations.

Product Features:
  • Direct replacement – this accessory drive belt idler pulley matches the fit and function of the original equipment pulley on specified vehicles
  • Restores performance – fixes a failed, squealing or groaning noise from a worn idler pulley
  • Application specific – reverse engineered from the original design on certain vehicle years, makes and models
  • Trustworthy quality – backed by team of engineers and quality specialists in the United States
See More

Dayco – Idler Pulley, Dayco (Part No.89013)

Idler Pulley, Dayco

from

$21.99
Dayco idler/tensioner pulleys are built with smoother surfaces and tighter dimensional tolerances, which translates to less vibration and longer belt life. In addition to stamped, forged steel and powdered metal pulleys, Dayco also designs ultra-strong plastic pulleys with specially formulated glass-filled polymers that resist wear and tear. Premium lubricated ball bearings and double high temperature seals ensure peak bearing performance, the most critical element of a pulley’s service life.

Product Features:
  • Designed for the majority of automotive vehicle applications on the road today
  • High-quality materials help resist wear and improve belt life
  • Features premium lubricated bearings to extend service life
  • Meets or exceeds OE quality
See More

Dayco – V-Belt Idler/Tensioner Pulley; Steel, 94mm Dia., 16.4mm Width, Grooves (Part No.89020)

V-Belt Idler/Tensioner Pulley; Steel, 94mm Dia., 16.4mm Width, Grooves

from

$24.99
Dayco idler/tensioner pulleys are built with smoother surfaces and tighter dimensional tolerances, which translates to less vibration and longer belt life. In addition to stamped, forged steel and powdered metal pulleys, Dayco also designs ultra-strong plastic pulleys with specially formulated glass-filled polymers that resist wear and tear. Premium lubricated ball bearings and double high temperature seals ensure peak bearing performance, the most critical element of a pulley’s service life.

Product Features:
  • Designed for the majority of automotive vehicle applications on the road today
  • High-quality materials help resist wear and improve belt life
  • Features premium lubricated bearings to extend service life
  • Meets or exceeds OE quality
See More

Litens – Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 90mm Diameter (Part No.900053A)

Idler/Tensioner Pulley: Direct Fit, Thermoplastic, 90mm Diameter

from

$18.99
This pulley is manufactured by Litens Automotive the inventor of the first automatic belt tensioner in 1979 and today the world’s largest supplier of Original Equipment (O.E.) belt tensioning and routing products. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and as the pulley component on automatic tensioner applications. This pulley conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. The part is made in Canada using the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty thermoplastic construction for long life and trouble-free performance. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.

Product Features:
  • Manufactured by Litens, the largest original equipment tensioner and pulley supplier in the world, to ensure proper form, fit, and performance.
  • Heavy Duty Glass Reinforced Polymer Pulley for optimized dimensional control and running surface durability
  • Installation instructions included.
See More

Dayco – Idler Pulley, Dayco (Part No.89009)

Idler Pulley, Dayco

from

$24.99
Dayco idler/tensioner pulleys are built with smoother surfaces and tighter dimensional tolerances, which translates to less vibration and longer belt life. In addition to stamped, forged steel and powdered metal pulleys, Dayco also designs ultra-strong plastic pulleys with specially formulated glass-filled polymers that resist wear and tear. Premium lubricated ball bearings and double high temperature seals ensure peak bearing performance, the most critical element of a pulley’s service life.

Product Features:
  • Designed for the majority of automotive vehicle applications on the road today
  • High-quality materials help resist wear and improve belt life
  • Features premium lubricated bearings to extend service life
  • Meets or exceeds OE quality
See More

Litens – Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, mm Diameter, w/ Hardware (Part No.900067A)

Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, mm Diameter, w/ Hardware

from

$29.99
This Litens pulley is manufactured by one of the largest original equipment pulley suppliers to ensure proper fit and performance. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. This replacement part is made in Canada to the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty split-steel pulley preassembled on a steel belt tensioning bracket for Ford/Mercury applications. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.
See More

Gates – DriveAlign Belt Drive Idler/Tensioner Pulley (Part No.38018)

DriveAlign Belt Drive Idler/Tensioner Pulley

from

$25.99
Gates is a leading manufacturer of Original Equipment (OE) idler pulleys. Gates DriveAlign(R) Idler Pulleys meet or exceed OE specifications. High quality, high strength bearings run cooler and last longer than original bearings. DriveAlign Idler Pulleys are built to last by resisting dirt, salt, and other under-hood contaminants. Designed for use on automobiles and light trucks as locked center tensioning, automatic belt tensioning and idler pulleys.

Product Features:
  • Steel and thermoplastic construction designed to tight manufacturing tolerances for high durability and quality performance
  • Built to last thanks to superior resistance to dirt, salt, chemicals, and other contaminants that can be found under the hood
  • Original equipment quality suitable for virtually all domestic and import vehicles in today’s fleet
  • The bearings meet or exceed OE standards with application-specific speed and load requirements, to withstand high temperatures under the hood.
  • Premium bearings eliminate bearing noise
  • Mounting hardware included for some popular applications
  • Reliable operation in harsh conditions
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Dorman – Idler Pulley (Pulley Only) (Part No.419-663)

Idler Pulley (Pulley Only)

from

$36.99
This replacement accessory drive belt idler pulley has been engineered to match the function and performance of the original pulley on select vehicle years, makes and models, properly restoring critical vehicle operations.

Product Features:
  • Direct replacement – this accessory drive belt idler pulley matches the fit and function of the original equipment pulley on specified vehicles
  • Restores performance – fixes a failed, squealing or groaning noise from a worn idler pulley
  • Application specific – reverse engineered from the original design on certain vehicle years, makes and models
  • Trustworthy quality – backed by team of engineers and quality specialists in the United States
See More

Litens – Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 94mm Diameter (Part No.900048A)

Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 94mm Diameter

from

$32.49
This Litens pulley is manufactured by one of the largest original equipment pulley suppliers to ensure proper fit and performance. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. This replacement part is made in the U.S.A. to the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty steel construction. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.
See More

Dayco – Idler Pulley, Dayco (Part No.89144)

Idler Pulley, Dayco

from

$29.99
Dayco idler/tensioner pulleys are built with smoother surfaces and tighter dimensional tolerances, which translates to less vibration and longer belt life. In addition to stamped, forged steel and powdered metal pulleys, Dayco also designs ultra-strong plastic pulleys with specially formulated glass-filled polymers that resist wear and tear. Premium lubricated ball bearings and double high temperature seals ensure peak bearing performance, the most critical element of a pulley’s service life.

Product Features:
  • Designed for the majority of automotive vehicle applications on the road today
  • High-quality materials help resist wear and improve belt life
  • Features premium lubricated bearings to extend service life
  • Meets or exceeds OE quality
See More

Most Popular Idler Pulley for 1981 Mercury Cougars

Enhance your 1981 Mercury Cougar with this popular Idler Pulley we have in stock, for $32.49.

Litens – Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 94mm Diameter (Part No.900048A)

Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 94mm Diameter

from

$32.49
This Litens pulley is manufactured by one of the largest original equipment pulley suppliers to ensure proper fit and performance. This pulley is produced for serpentine belt routing applications and conforms to original equipment material, tolerances, and specifications. This replacement part is made in the U.S.A. to the O.E. specified design and meets all performance and durability requirements. Heavy duty steel construction. Litens is the world’s largest supplier of original equipment (O.E.) power transmission products. At Litens, we design systems that are more efficient, resulting in tangible fuel economy/emissions benefits. Litens holds over 2000 patents and continues to respond to the ever-changing automotive industry by investing heavily in new technology, facilities, and people. 90% of our line is made of products coming from the OE manufacturer, which makes the Litens Tensioning Products portfolio the purest OE tensioning line in the North American aftermarket.
See More

FAQs for 1981 Mercury Cougar Pulleys

What’s the price range for 1981 Mercury Cougar Pulleys?

We currently have just one Pulleys for the 1981 Mercury Cougar in stock: Idler Pulley: Direct Fit, Steel, 94mm Diameter and it costs $32.49.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Pulleys for other Mercury Cougar model years?

Yes, we carry Pulleys for 30 model years of Mercury Cougars between 1970 and 2002. The following model years are the most popular for Pulley purchases: 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, and 1993.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Pulleys for any other 1981 Mercury models?

Yes. We stock Pulleys for 2 other popular 1981 Mercury models. Some of the most popular are 1981 Grand Marquis Pulleys, 1981 Capri Pulleys, and 1981 Marquis Pulleys.

What types of Pulleys do you sell for my 1981 Mercury Cougar?

We currently have just 1 Pulley in stock for a 1981 Mercury Cougar, and as of 11/2/25, it is an Idler Pulley.

Can I get help with 1981 Mercury Cougar Pulley orders?

Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Mercury Pulleys and more.

What is your return policy for Mercury Cougar Pulleys?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Mercury Cougar Pulleys and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.