Timing Belt Job question

apalt · 10-25-09, 08:36 PM

Do the idler pulleys typically need replacement during one of these jobs? The FSM says that if "leakage is found, replace pulley"....for those of you that have done the timing belt job, did you find leakage and/or replace the pulley...or do they last 300K and this is just FSM fodder?

I am trying to line up all the parts for the job before I tear into it.

Thanks...greg

scottm · 10-26-09, 11:47 AM

Talk to cDan, he's only seen a bazillion of these. He'll tell you what you have to have, and suggest other things that you ought to have, and tell you how likely it is you'll need them. Good prices, and the right parts, from a knowleagable Mudder.

Trunk Monkey · 10-26-09, 02:17 PM

I didn't replace the pulleys when we did my timing belt. But, I see them offered in most of the "kits" on Ebay.

LSUfj · 10-26-09, 02:25 PM

I didnt have to replace any of them. The belt looked almost new at 125k miles also. It may depend on your environment. I havent found any kind of rusty or difficult to remove bolt on my 100, so that might be somewhat of an indicator.

LandCruiserPhil · 10-26-09, 08:12 PM

I replaced both pulleys and replaced one of the bearing. Service was done at 125K write up available with search.

Walton · 10-29-09, 07:49 AM

My pulleys were fine at 110,000. My belt looked new also.

BMWSTOY · 11-05-09, 04:14 PM

My pulleys were good, you should check them while your in there.
If possible, plan for some down time so you can order what you need. If not possible, I would plan on the pulleys, but would do the water pump, serp belt. Don't forget the "Black Diamond" nuts - do not re-use

Topoguide · 11-05-09, 10:28 PM

The question is how risk averse are you? The engine is an interference design, so very simply what that means is that if the belt breaks you are going to do a lot of damage to your rather expensive motor.

Does it matter why the belt broke? Old age vs a pulley stopping? Or maybe the water pump leaking all over the belt and pulley causing damage leading to early belt failure? Nope, and nope.

Could you be OK in not changing them? Sure... you could be OK in not changing your belt, but how much risk are you willing to take? If it was a non-interference motor I'd say go for it, if the belt breaks the motor just stops... problem is it IS an interference motor.

And yes I did personally know someone that had a pulley go out.

donco · 11-05-09, 10:30 PM

I did mine at 100k. The old idlers seemed ok but I replaced them anyway. Glad I did, got rid of an annoying knock at start up that I could never pin down. The dealer said the tensioners usually go 200-300k before replacing, just check for signs of leaking, replace if the old one isn't dry. Definitely replace the water pump. My old one was weeping from the back side but couldn't tell until I had it out.