why can't you "retension" the timing belt

[nando]

nothing, like I said - you can retension it. but you're taking a risk that a $15 part won't fail and cause $2000 worth of damage. Ergo, just replace it. why take a chance?

[ptownTSI]

i wanted to know specifially why you can't, i'm going to get a new one. but physically what is it about the belt that means it can't be retensioned? you can retension a serpentine belt as much as you want.

[nando]

you can, if it's new - I've put about 25k on a retensioned belt (it was new, no miles when I took it off and put it back on). but yeah, it's a cheap part, no reason to chance it. I only did it because A) I can get away with a broken belt and B) I wanted to get my car running that day, I didn't have time to wait for a new one. Also, I wanted to know if it could be done, because everyone always says no. ;)

[Charlie]

Dude, it's a $15 part that becomes a $1500 part if you fuck around, just replace it.

-Charlie

[ptownTSI]

i drive an e30 and i'm on r3v... lol. btw whats up with the 5 lug swap photo shop wheel and did you chop the bumper onto that too with the rusty fenders and red hood?

[Teaguer]

Haha don't be a cheap ass , how much is a new belt ..like $15 ? :p

[ptownTSI]

no i'm going to be pulling the head to replace a broken rocker on the intake # 1 cyl, just didn't get why i needed to change the belt if i've only put 1000 miles on it since i did the thing.

[Teaguer]

I don't get it, it is already under tension. what is the big deal if that is released and then put back to where it was. how does it shorten its life by doing this?

Because it is old school shit technology that only last 60k if all is right anyways .

You can remove/replace the water pump without removing tension if that is your reason .

[ptownTSI]

I don't get it, it is already under tension. what is the big deal if that is released and then put back to where it was. how does it shorten its life by doing this?