Timing Belt Tensioner Needs Replacement?

Question

Hi:I just brought my 99 Camry in for a timing belt replacement (car has120,000 miles, but timing belt was replaced at 40,000 along with afaulty water pump).  I got a call in the middle of the day saying thatthe mechanics thought the tensioner also needed to be replaced.  Notknowing anything about this, I agreed to the additional cost.I have two questions:  Is it normal to need to replace the tensioner?And, how can an amateur like myself check up on a need for a repairlike this (I neglected to ask them to save the parts, but even if Ihad, I'd stare at an old tensioner and still have no idea whether, infact, it needed replacing.Thanks in advance,Jon

johngdole · Accepted Answer

It's a good idea to replace the tensioner, idler, oil seals andtensioner spring in addition to the water pump when you get in there.You got a reasonable use out ofthese parts.The tensioner should not have any slop in it or make any noise. Itshould turn smoothly. Regardless of recommendations of 60K, 90K, 120K,etc. I change all the parts at 60K miles, except the water pump everyother timing belt (with coolant-50% distilled water change every 24months).Look at the recommendation from Gates:

Clay · Answer

Excellent advise.It is false economy to use the old parts.  Like the FRAM commercials,pay me now or pay me later.

RichK · Answer

"Jon"  wroteSome tensioners last forever and some got at 40K miles.  It's impossible totell if you needed one at this point.  When they get noisy, you definitelyneed one, but in your case who knows.  Maybe it was noisy, you just did notnotice it.It would be nice to be told by the mechanics, if it was replaced due tofailure, or because it's a good idea at this point.  When you're told "youneed one" - it's not clear why.Rich

Timing Belt Tensioner Needs Replacement?

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