Pulley device, in particular for tensioning idler or runner roller

A method of assembling a pulley device configured to support a belt of a chain tensioning idler or a runner roller, the method comprising:

• providing a bearing having a rotatable outer ring having an outer cylindrical surface and a coaxial fixed inner ring, and
• providing a pulley having at least one C-shaped pulley part, the at least one pulley part having an inner cylindrical portion having an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical portion having an outer cylindrical surface configured to contact the belt, and a radial intermediate portion extending substantially radially between an axially outer end of the inner cylindrical portion and an axially outer end of the outer cylindrical portion, each of the at least one pulley part being formed integral and defining an open end on an axially inner side opposite the radial intermediate portion, the inner cylindrical portion of the at least one pulley part further including at least one axial groove extending from the axially outer end of the inner cylindrical portion to an axially inner end of the inner cylindrical portion;
• and the outer ring including at least one radially outwardly extending material deformation at a first axial end of the outer cylindrical surface of the outer ring,
• aligning the at least one axial groove with the at least one radially outwardly extending material deformation,
• press fitting the at least one pulley part axially over the outer cylindrical surface of the outer ring such that the at least one radially outwardly extending material deformation traverses the at least one axial groove and emerges from the at least one axial groove, and
• rotating the at least one pulley part until the at least one radially outwardly extending material deformation is not circumferentially aligned with the at least one axial groove and such that the at least one radially outwardly extending material deformation forms an axial stop for the at least one pulley part in an axial direction.