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Have to replace tensioner - a question or two.

I have a sound that is coming from within the front timing belt enclosure - intermittently (heard it through the auto stethoscope).

It looks that it is pretty easy to exchange, but I am wondering what else I might look for while I am in there. The belt was replaced about 30K back (had thought the tensioner was almost new so did not replace at that time).

Thanks for all and any input.
--
' Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst. '' (C S Lewis ; on Evil Men) 89 764 (158K), '94 940T (240K), 85 245 (219K)








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It may be time to also renew .....

You didn't specify which car (of those you listed) and more important, the age (years, miles). Nevertheless, you might want to consider:

1) changing the timing belt again, too -- you've gone so far to replace the tensioner, whereas the timing belt is just a few dollars more and almost no extra effort (because when you replace the tensioner, the timing belt will probably slip and you'll probably have to reposition it anyway).

2) remove the "gears" (pulleys ?) to inspect the three shaft seals for signs of beginning leaks -- and replace them accordingly.

3) at this point, having "opened her up" to do the above, you might want to replace the water pump and drive belts (alternator's, A/C's, and P/S), too.

Heck, the last time I changed the timing belt, I did all of the above and also changed the mounting bushings of the alt., A/C, and P/S, as well as the fan's clutch, too. I had taken the time (and very little effort) to pull the radiator (to have lots more room to work), and it seemed a shame not to renew everything in that area. Consider it.








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It may be time to also renew ..... 700 1989

Sorry about that. It is an 89 760 w/173K (showing on the od, anyway)

Good points all. I would do that, but it was actually all done 20-30K back - everything ceptin' the tensioner..
From what I see in the FAQ's - I do not need to pull the bottom pulley to replace the tensioner. Just might it a bit quicker all around. Hope I am right on this part.

Thanks for the reply.
--
' Of all bad men religious bad men are the worst. '' (C S Lewis ; on Evil Men) 89 764 (158K), '94 940T (240K), 85 245 (219K)








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Yes, but be careful.... 700 1989

Yes, you can replace the tensioner without disturbing the crank pulley. Just be really careful -- you don't want the belt to slip a tooth on any of the gears while it hasn't got any tension. You might want to ask someone to help -- merely hold the belt taught while you slip off and replace the tensioner.

Best luck.







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