Have you checked the step-by-step on a TB change to see where the tensioner falls in the R&R?

 

That applies to a 5S-FE and not a 1MZ-FE, it's a bit different on a 1MZ-FE. On a 5s, it's a bearing style tensioner with a spring, while on the 1MZ, it's a hydraulic tensioner, so it's quite different...

Thing is, I've done the timing belt before on my car, and IIRC between the bank 1 cam pulley and the tensioner bearing is where the belt should be left slack for the tensioner to apply pressure on it. I want to simply remove the tensioner without touching anything else, but a lingering fear is that I shift timing off... Any thoughts on that?

 

Not sure what exactly you are asking? The tensioner is at the bottom of the engine, which pushes up onto the idler pulley #1, which is close to the crankshaft. You should be able to remove it without disturbing the belt timing.

What makes you want to replace it?

 

Yeah it's fine man. The tensioner is always the last part to be put back on anyway. Take it off slow and evenly between the two bolts and do the same for installation and you'll be fine.

If it shifts you will hear it, and at that point you'll have to reset timing. I have never had this happen so just pay attention.

projectvertex sorry about little thread hijack

do you guys think it's possible to remove 5s-fe tensioner without removing belt ? that's what i will be doing next weekend, but so far planned on removing belt for this. my old aftermarket tensioner is screwed up (noisy), so replacing it with new Koyo unit.

 

Yeah it's fine man. The tensioner is always the last part to be put back on anyway. Take it off slow and evenly between the two bolts and do the same for installation and you'll be fine.

If it shifts you will hear it, and at that point you'll have to reset timing. I have never had this happen so just pay attention.

 

I think I'll take a couple of pics while I do the job and make a DIY of it...

 

Are you trying to do something like Fenixus is, leaving the crank/lower cover in place etc and do the tensioner only?

Looks like the bolt for removing the tensioner pulley itself is close to the crank pulley. And this may be covered up by the lower timing cover and the crank pulley.

 

nah, i'm removing the lower cover as well (want to replace it, mine is ground off above water pump hehe), but i don't quite like the idea of removing the t-belt - if i can get away with tensioner replacement and t-belt in place I will go for it, will just check belt alignment on pulleys to all the marks i can find (hopefully it's good).