Do I really need to change my timing belt

[nando]

also, the whole "don't retension the belt" thing is a myth. when I was building my motor, I had to take the belt off and put it back on again - since my engine is non-interference, I thought it would be a good chance to test this. almost 20000 miles later and it's just fine.

[nando]

Besides, what is a few bent valves between friends?

did you miss my post entirely?

[atomic]

I would replace it after all it is cheap insurance ...

[StereoInstaller1]

Besides, what is a few bent valves between friends?

[AndrewBird]

you guys are idiots :p

if he just changed it and it only has 2000 miles, he doesn't need to do it again just to do the waterpump. not neccesary at all. You don't have to loosen the tension on the belt at all - you can remove the waterpump separately without touching the belt. just make sure the tensioner is tightened down really well. you don't really need the tensioner spring for anything but the initial installation of the belt. once the tensioner is tight it's just dead weight.

This be a good point. The SPRING rests against the water pump, not the tensioner it self.

[///M42 sport]

the tensioner spring was pretty annoying to put on.

[nando]

you guys are idiots :p

if he just changed it and it only has 2000 miles, he doesn't need to do it again just to do the waterpump. not neccesary at all. You don't have to loosen the tension on the belt at all - you can remove the waterpump separately without touching the belt. just make sure the tensioner is tightened down really well. you don't really need the tensioner spring for anything but the initial installation of the belt. once the tensioner is tight it's just dead weight.

[DarkWing6]

I just used a shoe lace instead of the belt last time it "needed" to be replaced. Mine were from KMart for $1.99, but some guys have been getting them on sale at Sears for $.99.

[rwh11385]

No man, it's all a conspiracy to make you buy more parts at a dealer. You don't have to replace control arms ever either.

[TwoJ's]

Yes, you should replace it. I tried to tell the kids on bf.c that they should replace it whenever tension is removed, but they insisted that wasn't the case.

The smart move is to replace it. What is a belt, $25? $20? It's just cheap insurance if you ask me.

[delatlanta1281]

Srsly.

[Turf1600]

One of those "Want to pay to find out" type of deals. Just swap it and the peace of mind will be worth the money

[chrisesteschiro]

My timing belt has less than 2000 miles on it along with the tensioner.... I am replacing my water pump. The bently says that anytime tension is lost on the belt replace it..........why would a belt suddenly be weaker after losing then regaining tension? I really don't mind throwing down the few dollars for a new belt but I was just wondering if its really needed...

Thanks