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Ok, I replaced my timing belt as well as the tensioner and water pump roughly 2 weeks ago on my y7. I left my top timing belt cover off mostly just because I like the look of the exposed cam gear. My concern is that I've noticed a bit more play in my timing belt than when I initially installed it. Do new timing belts stretch as they wear in and do they need to be retightened after a period of time? I broke my original belt when trying to remove my harmonic balancer, so I had nothing to compare the tension when I replaced it. I did however, watch a few videos to get an idea of how tight the belt should be and set my new one accordingly. The kit I bought was not an expensive kit by any means, I paid $35 buck for the belt, be water pump, tensioner and all the corresponding seals on Ebay. Should I be concerned? I certainly don't want to wind up jumping a tooth on my cam gear. Also, is there an accurate way to measure timing belt tension other than just pushing it back and forth and feeling of it without removing the bottom timing cover? All input is appreciated, thanks guys!!!
Also, the kit came with 2 seals that I have no clue where they belong, I will get pics of them up in the next day or so. They are rubber and one has a spring in the seal. Both are roughly 2" in diameter.
By very specific, you mean turning the crank counter clockwise so the little spring can take up the slack on the belt, and torquing to spec the tensioner.
They make clear timing covers if you're just absolutely gay for seeing the cam gear
Last edited by chrysler kid; Feb 2, 2019 at 04:22 PM.
Ok, I replaced my timing belt as well as the tensioner and water pump roughly 2 weeks ago on my y7. I left my top timing belt cover off mostly just because I like the look of the exposed cam gear. My concern is that I've noticed a bit more play in my timing belt than when I initially installed it. Do new timing belts stretch as they wear in and do they need to be retightened after a period of time? I broke my original belt when trying to remove my harmonic balancer, so I had nothing to compare the tension when I replaced it. I did however, watch a few videos to get an idea of how tight the belt should be and set my new one accordingly. The kit I bought was not an expensive kit by any means, I paid $35 buck for the belt, be water pump, tensioner and all the corresponding seals on Ebay. Should I be concerned? I certainly don't want to wind up jumping a tooth on my cam gear. Also, is there an accurate way to measure timing belt tension other than just pushing it back and forth and feeling of it without removing the bottom timing cover? All input is appreciated, thanks guys!!!
When checking the timing you turn the crank COUNTERCLOCKWISE not clockwise as that will likely cause it to jump.
As for the procedure to set the belt. Always turn the crank counterclockwise. One you turn it a couple revolutions and verify the belt is in time you turn it counterclockwise until the belt is taunt. Tighten the adjuster bolt. Tighten the crank bolt. Apply sealant on each corner of the covers and install. The belt should not need to be adjusted again.
BTW You'll want to use the covers as it has been pointed out the problem if something get in there. I seal these as well to keep dust out.
Timing belt tension
