Originally posted by fingas:
Originally posted by sosaudio1:
Replace the springs and all the idler and tensioner pulleys.

L8R
Rich



Thanks for the info but i was already going to replace the tensioners and pulleys ( that is the only parts i have ever had truly fail on a timing system), the reason i am changing the belt is that i heard it hitting the cover so i pulled the cover and the belt is still in good shape but it is hitting the cover so i am pretty sure that the tensioners aren't able to keep everything nice and tight anymore. I was thinking since i will have some of the pulleys off that i would go ahead and get the UDP. I hadn't thought of the WP so i am glad i asked because it makes sense to change it now and hopefully never have it fail. I haven't had the car long but i plan on keeping it awhile. i bought it because i got a good deal on it and i needed a car but i fell in love with it on the interstate on the way home that day. I may need to get a part time second job so i can treat the car the way it deserves.




Ok now...You may not need to do all this. It is a known fact that on our cars, the original timing covers do get clacked a bit from the timing belt. There was a change made to the timing cover on later cars and a quick fix is to use washers and put some space between the rest of the cover and the cap. The clatter happens more when the car is cold.

So, again, if you are only worried about the clatter, then replacing...sure...will fix it. But if the belt looks good for the most part...I wouldnt worry about it just yet.

Here is a test. Take the cap off the timing belt carefully....I know...resist the temptation to break it. Start the car and monitor the belt. If it looks like it is moving all over the gears, or looks like it is bouncing...change it. If you do this during the day, take a good look at the belt and listen as well...see if the belt has any cracks in it, missing teeth, making whining noises..or just looks bad....change it.

But hey, if you are really just wanting to change it, then tear into it.


L8R
Rich

'04 Ecotec Cavi 140hp/150tq Fabbed intake. Header Coming, DRL's disabled, X-Drilled/slotted rotors coming....Man you really are fast. You were hauling a$$ when I passed you RB&LB causing problems in Huntsville