[CR]Cracks in older Campagnolo derailleur pulleys

(Example: Production Builders)

From: Tom Sanders <tsan7759142@sbcglobal.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 17:38:06 -0400
Thread-Index: Aca/6e3H8SXBvOMTTq2eitShISjN6w==
Subject: [CR]Cracks in older Campagnolo derailleur pulleys

I recently bought what were touted as a pair of NOS derailleur pulleys for NR or SR derailleurs. One seemed to me to have some grease in it's recesses and each pulley had the tiny start of a crack. Cracks are seen in an awful lot of older pulleys. I am negotiating with the seller on a partial refund. I am wondering a couple of things...can they crack from age alone? In other words could unused ones be cracked? I have never heard of such a pulley failing...do they fail at the cracks? Do the cracks impair their functioning? I try to put uncracked ones in my bikes being detailed out or restored...is this anything but a bit of vanity?
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi USA