Timing Belt Tensioner

Timing Belt Tensioner Replacement

The timing belt tensioner is what applies pressure to the timing belt, keeping it tight and running smoothly. When something goes wrong, it is often the tensioner that’s the cause and not the belt itself. To prevent the failure the tensioner and idler pulleys should be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

Be sure to ask your service advisor about your recommended service interval. If the timing belt tensioner fails it can lead to additional damage to the engine. The split-second synchronization of engine parts would then be lost and the damage could be catastrophic and very expensive to repair. Breaking a primary component like this can cause the pistons to collide with the valves, potentially bending or breaking them and damaging the cylinder head.

From a safety standpoint there is a slight risk. If your car breaks down, you could end up stranded. There is no environmental impact from a timing belt tensioner failure.

Timing Belt Tensioner Failure Leads to Timing Belt Failure

The heat of the Arizona summer is not only hard on us but also on our car’s underhood moving components.  Heat is the number one killer of vital components working very hard under the hood.  Be conscious of this in the summer months and have your car’s belts and the tensioner inspected if you hear anything unusual or if it is of the age and mileage for typical replacement (performed between 60,000 miles in extreme use conditions, or up to 100,000 miles if in normal conditions and approximately 6 years of age).