timing tensioner question

[tnmk]

The book says to replace only if it isn't turning freely. It turns free as can be with no slop, so how important is it to replace? It's over $60.00, so I'd rather not if I don't have too.

Also the spring seems fine too, but I would assume that, that item would be cheap to replace. The parts store didn't have one listed, so I guess I'd have to go to the dealer for one.

Your thoughts?

93 1.6 Litre Geo

[Ninja7]

To be on the safe side I would not hesitate to change it since you are going to take off a lot of components. Better safe than sorry.

[niko3257]

^^^ what he said
i wouldn't chance it.
if i were you while you have all that apart you mind as well do a water pump.
just to not have to think about not going in there for a while.

when i get some money i'm doing my timing belt/water pump/ all other belts/and the tensioner all at once. that way i never have to worry about it again.

but then again if your on a budget. do what you can afford.
nobody is making you do it.
just trying not to have you go in there twice. especially if your paying for it.
if your doing it your self at home then do what you want. your labor to your car is free.
it's a little bit of work all that but it can be done.

[toyomoho]

Yes, there is no detailed inspection method for the idler. If it turns freely without making noise, and doesn’t have much play it should be OK. Can you guestimate how many miles on this idler. I have never seen one fail, but they can start to make noise indicating replacement is required soon. Remember you will most likely be changing the belt again and looking at these components in another 60K miles.

The dealer may have the spring, not sure if it is that important on this model car. The service manual may have an inspection method for it based on spring length. Cost should be under say $3.00.

[tnmk]

Car has 57,000 miles on it.
I'm changing all belts, but I think I'll leave the idler and water pump alone. Water pump looks like a pain, but it's a lot easier than rings and valve seals which is what I'm doing now.

I have a need to keep costs down. If I replace idler and water pump, that's at least another $100.00, I'm sure more.

[toyomoho]

Check the water pump bearing for roughness, loose, etc. If these parts only have 57K and seem OK, just change out the belt.

[retiredat44]

Mine failed a couple years back. The timing belt broke and the tensioner seized.
But it had high mileage on it. Something like 150,000 miles. If it has over 80,000 I would replace it. Absolute piece of mind.

[tnmk]

Everything is running free, nothing loose. I'm just replacing all the belts. and probably that spring. I have to remeber to call the dealer on that.