It's only been, about 10,000 miles and idler pulley is already starting to get cocked again, probably because the tensioner arm is worn out again. Do these things really live such short life spans? Is there anyway I can help them last longer?

The last one I purchased was an INA tensioner arm.

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.