Jolly, ya, I totally suspect the S/C tensioner pulley (probably could have been worded better in the OP) since it has some play and ticks around by hand if I wiggle it under tension. I was just pondering the idea of rebuilding the S/C sometime this fall/winter anyways since I can keep in in the garage for a while.
You said you have a spare.... do you recall where you got them? I am thinking having a few on hand isn't a bad idea.
Forgot to add this unrelated bit, but, when I had drained down my oil to check for contaminants, it was a quart low. First time EVER my VX has burned through oil between changes. Guess I am now part of that gang too. 56k miles and showing her age, heh.
Gary Noonan
'01 S/C VX / '18 Forester XT