used timing belt tension ??

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:19 pm

I have never had to retension a used timing belt partly as they are so cheap why not replace it when you are there sort of thinking - until now.

New belts are always nice tight tension but this time around the belts only have 20,000km on them in the EA82T

Just how much slop do you experienced ones leave ?

Who uses what other than good (or bad) judgement to measure the tension as per specs?

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:35 pm

I'm guessing you're asking about re-using a timing belt after removing it...

I've always done this if the belt is "under age". All I do is apply as much tension on the tension idler pulley as I can physically with my hand/fingers/thumb (what ever's best on the day) and do up the retaining bolts at the same time. Never had a problem with it so far (touch wood [keep it clean people!]) - but if I throw a belt tomorrow I'm gonna be pissed!

Just make sure the belt is kept clean and away from oil or coolant

Cheers

Bennie

Xtreme_RX · Post by **Xtreme_RX** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:34 pm

Yes re-use them - apply about 27FtLb to the belts. You will need a special torque wrench & tool to do it properly.

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:21 pm

yeah, a left handed torque wrench would be the order.

See my latest posted re timing belt stuff up in engine section