a method for producing a pulley assembly intended primarily for use with the endless drive belt of a vehicle accessories drive system is provided . the method involves placing a circular metal insert having an axis and an outer substantially flat circumferential surface extending radially from the axis on a locating means , located inside a mold cavity and positioned around the outside circumference of the metal insert , for positioning the metal insert inside the mold cavity before molding and for maintaining the roundness of the metal insert during molding , and molding a plastic annular body about the metal insert . a pulley assembly produced by this method is also provided . the method of producing the pulley assembly may include modifying the outer flat circumferential surface of the metal insert prior to molding the plastic annular body about the metal insert , for clamping , structurally bonding , and resisting relative rotation between the plastic body and the metal insert .