Auto Tensioner Question

[aspekt9]

I was following the Haynes manual for removing the timing belt and it said to just remove the auto tensioner, is it okay to do this without using the special tool to compress it slowly first? Would the rod snap up too quick and cause a seal issue? I figured you should be able to remove it and then compress it in a vice if you're reusing it (I am because it only has 300 miles on it).

 

[BrokenTsi]

I would first loosen the tensioner pulley to loosen the belt. Then remove the 2 bolts for the auto tensioner and the timing belt will basically fall off.

more info: The special tool is for pushing the idler arm onto the piston of the hydraulic tensioner. You could just remove that too.

You could also just remove the tensioner. It wont cause anything to break. Ive never had an issue with it. So its up to you which way you do it.

The way I do it, is the way I first described.

 

[ilco187]

you can compress it with a vise, and use a allen key wrench to hold it down during re-install.

 

[aspekt9]

Okay so by me just removing it and letting it extend the hydraulic system should be okay? Is it okay to not compress it until I'm ready to install or is it good to keep it compressed as soon as you remove it?

 

[ilco187]

either way, when i rebuilt my engine my tensioner sat 4 months extended and it still is stiff as new.