Must I replace the auto tensioner?

[juntjoo]

I'm doing the timing belt. Car is at 100k and previous owner claims belt was done at 70k(how often do belts fail after 30k?) but never asked about the auto tensioner. Do I really need to replace this thing? I'm running short on cash and am not sure if this tensioner needs replacing. As you can see it's dirty up in there and the outside was dirtier before I cleaned it off a little and the manual says replace if it appears to have leaked oil although it's not like is clean under the timing belt cover (how clean should it be?). It compresses and decompresses fine as far as I can tell although, and maybe this is the key, it takes about 20-30 lbs of pressure to compress -pretty easy, but ONLY after I compressed it for the 1st time which was a bi*** and took about 100lbs of pressure. Opinions? BTW, what's that little hole in the butt for?

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[bryanwheat]

Usually if they aren't leaking than i don't replace them. I've done so many that i've got a good feel on how it should feel in a vice also when tensioning it. I personally haven't had one go bad that had the tension set properly. If the belt tension is set to loose than it can bend or even break the rod off.

 

[newTSIguy]

I understand being broke, but $90 is cheap for piece of mind, although chances are yours if fine, $90 for a new tentioner, or the chance you might have to pay 500+ for a rebuild. Anything to do with the timing belt I would not recommend going cheap on.

 

[94_TSi]

Always a very very good idea to replace the tensioner. On most of them there is actually a date printed on the side of it, this could make your decsion if it says something like 10-15-99.

 

[DSM_PWR]

Replace it... quit being cheap... period

Being short on cash is no excuse... save up money until you've got enough for what you need

otherwise whats the point of doing a timing belt job if your not going to replace the timing components? Why not just re-use motor oil while your at it?

 

[LiquidX]

A timing belt job includes not only the belt but all of the other components as well. Pulleys, tensioner, balance shaft components (if you still have them). If one part fails then there goes your belt and then you will be spending more fixing your head.

 

[bryanwheat]

The tensioner and pulleys are only replaced at the 120k service at most dealerships. The belt at every 60k.

 

[DSM1G90]

I did mine back in 2008 and at 161K miles (now, I have 185k miles) and the old tensioner had a year "2000" date stamp on it. Figured that was good enough to replace.

 

[phunny]

I know that I personally will NOT do a timing belt job without replacing the tensioner. Way too much liability and chance of failure.

 

[schroder]

When you say you're compressing it with 20 to 30 pounds of pressure, are you saying that you can just press in on the tensioner with your fingers/thumb and have it compress? If so, it definitely needs replaced. Also, if you don't know if its been done, do it. 90 bucks is alot cheaper than having to buy one later anyways, plus the cost of a head, head gasket, head studs, coolant, oil, and then labor.

 

[92AWDHX40]

If your unsure yes i always do when in doubt 90 bucks versus another head no brainer, not to mention a new hg.

 

[juntjoo]

When you say you're compressing it with 20 to 30 pounds of pressure, are you saying that you can just press in on the tensioner with your fingers/thumb and have it compress? If so, it definitely needs replaced. Also, if you don't know if its been done, do it. 90 bucks is alot cheaper than having to buy one later anyways, plus the cost of a head, head gasket, head studs, coolant, oil, and then labor.

With my hands pushing it against a hard surface.

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[phunny]

With my hands pushing it against a hard surface.

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I hope you're not still considering reusing it... Honestly man, it's worth just leaving it sit until you can save up the $90. The cost later will make you want to vomit.

 

[juntjoo]

Okay okay.. Where are you all getting your tensioners for 90 bucks? Dealership us quoting me $130. 90 sounds a lot better

Thanks for your replies.


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[1983gsp]

How much is your peace of mind worth to you. Personally, everytime I pull the timing belt off, I replace it. When I tear into something, if there is a seal or gasket that I can't get to normally, I change it. Example: pull cv axle, replace output seal on tranny. Remove cam gears, replace cam seals. Ect,ect,ect....

Peace-of-mind is worth that much to me.

 

[phunny]

Call STM and talk to them and they'll get you fixed up.
STM | STREET TUNED MOTORSPORTS | DSM | EVO | SUBARU | PERFORMANCE & DYNO TUNING

 

[hypergenesis]

I payed to have my timing belt done and now 20k miles later I need to replace the belt again because of the tensioner. When I had the timing belt done they didn't tell me that I needed to replace the pulles and auto tensioner so now if I ever push it the belt starts rubbing and is showing regular signs of wear.

 

[juntjoo]

Call STM and talk to them and they'll get you fixed up.
STM | STREET TUNED MOTORSPORTS | DSM | EVO | SUBARU | PERFORMANCE & DYNO TUNING

Thanks dude. I'll check? It out

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[JusMX141]

Do I really need to replace this thing?

Depends if you're a fan of bent valves or not. If you are, by all means leave the old tensioner in place.

 

[Tyeler18]

Partsdinorsaur.com has the OEM tensioner for $78, it's made by the same company that makes the OEM ones, just not branded "OEM."

 

[juntjoo]

Partsdinorsaur.com has the OEM tensioner for $78, it's made by the same company that makes the OEM ones, just not branded "OEM."

Awesome
Thanks for the links. I'll start shopping

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['97boostinGST]

Do you have the 1.8L or 2.0 n/t?

I found the 2.0 for $77.05.

Not sure if the turbo and n/t use the same tensioner.

 

[RipperXX]

Like others have said, play it safe is my advise.










Look at it this way, whats cheaper, a tensioner, or a engine rebuild?

 

[phunny]

Depends if you're a fan of bent valves or not. If you are, by all means leave the old tensioner in place.

I prefer my valves to not do the gangster lean thanks

 

[BogusSVO]

Depends if you're a fan of bent valves or not. If you are, by all means leave the old tensioner in place.

I have to agree with Justmx here, Just leave it be, you will be helping out me or one of my kind!!

I just have all the love for the guys who do not change time belts and all there components!!

Look thu this thread.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/341218-how-change-valve-guides-4g63t-head.html

$90<$300-$400 to have your head rebuilt!