Timing belt and "Tensioner"

[johnny0723]

Hi,

I'm new to the forums here. I'm not sure what a DSM is but this seems to be the right place for mitsubishi talk

My wife's 98 eclipse gsx is making squeling noises when we start the car. Its coming from the engine area. The car has 72000 miles. I plan to have the timing belt replaced as well as all other belts. The dealer told me that a tensioner is causing the timing belt to wear out and that it needs to be replaced. I have no idea what the tensioner is and how much it costs. Also, what is a balance shaft and what does it do? Can someone please advise on these items?

I'm planning to go to a local Firestone shop to get these done:

Timing belts and other belts
water pump
tune up
radiator flush
balance shaft

I'm looking at about $800 worth of parts and labor. Any comments or suggestions? Thanks!

-John

 

[timloomis]

that tensioner wouldnt squeel like you say.probly just a worn belt.your at 72000 so your in need of a timing belt change anyways though.dsm is diamond star motors.they made eclipses,talons,and lasers form 90-98.just a venture between mitsubishi,plymouth,and eagle is all.balance shafts keep the engine vibration-free.get that belt changed at the time your timing belt is done.it can come off and take out your t-belt.the tensioner will be included in a t-belt change also.it just keeps the timing belt tensioned.it can wear down that t-belt too.

 

[steve]

First Welcome.

Under no condition take your GSX to firestone for any mechanical work. The timing belt job is critical and even Mitsubishi mechanics seem to get it wrong. If the shop messes it up your looking at serious head problems. From long painfull experence most people here will recommend you only use OEM parts on the timing belt job. To get a better idea what's involved, intorduce yourself to the VFAQ's. http://www.vfaq.com/FAQlocator-index.html
This a huge resource that other car owners wish they had. Here's the on on the timing belt.
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/timingbelt-2G.html

Your noise could be from loose accessory belts but it's more likely that the crankshaft pulley (also called the harmonic dampner) has seperated into two pieces. That's a common failure and causes the crank pulley to slip and not run true making noise.

Steve

 

[johnny0723]

Thanks for the quick replies!

So firestone is not good at all? The dealer is asking for alot more than 800 for this type of job. I guess its something I'll have to think about...you do get what you pay for!

I also forgot to mention that the idle jumps around a lot. It dips almost to zero when stopping at a red light or when the AC is turned on. Would the idle problem I have be fixed with the new timing belt and tune ups?

 

[steve]

Thanks for the quick replies!

So firestone is not good at all? The dealer is asking for alot more than 800 for this type of job. I guess its something I'll have to think about...you do get what you pay for!

I also forgot to mention that the idle jumps around a lot. It dips almost to zero when stopping at a red light or when the AC is turned on. Would the idle problem I have be fixed with the new timing belt and tune ups?

How many 4G63T timing belts do you think the guy at Firestone does on average every day?
Ask the mechanic how to test for the proper phasing of the lower balance shaft and how to correct it if it's wrong. Ask him to show you the tool for tensioning the idler pulley or what the specification is for the auto-tensioner.

Right now your car is worth better than $10k, with a set of bent valves figure half that. How much is saving a couple hundred worth to you? Those of us who are cheap learn how to do it ourself and can take the time to make sure everything is perfect. Find a good dealership, ask them the same questions because not all service departments are equal, or find a DSM shop in your area even if you have to drive a bit to get there.

The idle dropping sounds like your Idle Air Control motor (known as an IAC or ISC) is bad. The ECU uses it to maintain the engine speed when you turn on the AC and to keep the engine speed from dropping on decelleration or coming to a stop.


Steve