VVT-i trouble?

[ganda1f]

Heard somewhere that the VVT-i engines for Corollas had problems. Supposedly a tensioner for timing belt was crappy and its bearings?? were becoming loose or something. Is it true that there are some problems of this kind with VVT-i engines for Corolla? If so, which models, that is, what year and what engine?

[chocowallet]

My mechanic told me that the 98-02 Corollas are like this. I have a 01 Rolla LE and I have changed the belt tensioner. Yeah, it sucks to replace parts, but I love the reliability of my car. My bearings in the rear axle went too. I think this might have been because they were damaged in an accident. I think the engines for this gen are solid though. I have been beating on my car for 3.5 years with no problems.

[ganda1f]

When did you have to change the tensioner chocowallet? After how many years/miles/kilometers did you have to replace it? Are there any signs that tell you that the tensioner has to be changed? Is the tensioner a problem that keeps coming back after it is changed? I mean, does it have to be replaced more often in the future as well or does it work fine after the first replacement?

[chocowallet]

I bought my car with 29k on it and it had to be fixed almost right away. I have 60k on my Corolla now, no more tensioner problems. Oh yeah, if you change the tensioner, you might as well change the belt too.