Cambelt tensioner?

goatfertility

I'm thrilled to be after this exciting part. The one and only, cambelt tensioner. Now, where I'm confused is whether I need the wheel-bit. Or the arm as well.

The car in question needs the cambelt done, it's well over due. So I thought I'd get the water pump and tensioner out of the way as well.

Cheers

angrycrow

To have any chance of a sensible answer we need to know make model, age and engine. some cars its all one unit others you just replace the outer bearing section.

patman99

You normally purchase the tensioner as part of a kit with the belt. I would guess that they will supply the tensioner as a complete assembly on an arm if needed.

AdrianC

Just buy a full kit. It'll include the belt and any tensioners. Get a decent brand one - I've just had a cambelt done last spring slip a tooth. It was a cheaper brand belt than I'd have bought given the choice...

goatfertility

Normally I would get a kit!! Unfortunately (or fortunately) I've had a contitech belt lying around for years waiting to go on. Don't ask why!! So I'm sort of obliged to buy the other parts individually unless I want to double up on the belt. Think I better ask my local factors but thanks

System

goatfertility wrote: »

Normally I would get a kit!! Unfortunately (or fortunately) I've had a contitech belt lying around for years waiting to go on.

NOOOO. Don't use it, throw it in the bin. Cambelts are replaced either based on mileage OR AGE because they're made of rubber which deteriorates. If that cambelt has been laying around for four/five years and the cambelt interval on your car is 6 years you need to be changing the cambelt again in a couple of years.

Strider590

Tarambor wrote: »

NOOOO. Don't use it, throw it in the bin. Cambelts are replaced either based on mileage OR AGE because they're made of rubber which deteriorates. If that cambelt has been laying around for four/five years and the cambelt interval on your car is 6 years you need to be changing the cambelt again in a couple of years.

Whilst rubber does deteriorate, it's almost always the pulleys/tensioner that takes out the belt WAY before the belt itself has deteriorated.

AdrianC

goatfertility wrote: »

I've had a contitech belt lying around for years waiting to go on.

How many years?
What's the time-based change interval on your car?

EdGasketTheSecond

I've been unfortunate enough to buy 'new' belts that have turned out to be out-of-date when I checked the SN with Gates. They recommend a max of six years storage. So if you buy new, buy from a good source.