So I have read through some of the old timing belt threads. I plan on having my timing belt changed, along with both accessory belts, water pump, and thermostat. Is the tensioner necessary as well? The reason I am getting this done is two fold, I am at like 115k miles and my belt squeal when the A/C compressor is turned on. If the squeal is only associated with the compressor, does that mean the compressor bearings could be bad as well? or could this all originate just from the belt? I plan on taking it somewhere, but I want to show up with all the parts that I need so there is no confusion about ordering the wrong parts or anything. Thanks for any help.
The belt is loose and/or old. If its original, its amazing it lasted this long. You are 10k miles over due for a timing belt.
Another possibility: your a/c belt tensioner bearing is shot. It's about to lock up and send the tensioner backwards through the timing belt cover. Hopefully there will be no timing belt damage when that happens :sx: Sounds like you might have a few time-bombs under the hood.
You're right. I'd replace the the tensioner idler anyway. Just in case. Mine refused to continue rotating at ~85k. It was hot that day.
Thanks for the help guys. All belts are original WJM, scary! Hopefully first thing next week I can get this stuff taken care of.
You'll have that. I've seen many idlers come apart at random mileage. It would be wise to replace it since you have to remove it to do the timing belt.
My drive belts died at about 65K. You are lucky! How hard is the AC idler to replace? Is this something you would recommend as a PM?
I recommend checking the noise level from it with a stethoscope. If its noisy, replace. If its nice and quiet, no reason to replace. Some just self destruct. Others last forever. Example: My legacy has the original one at 285,600some miles. Others have ass-ploded within warranty period. Its pretty straight forward to replace. one 12mm nut, the bolt, the belt...thats it really.
Sounds easy to replace the idler, but topspeed said they were ~$80 a piece and there are three. I am waiting to buy them until we find out if they are noisy.