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pete nz · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 10:34 pm Post subject: cam belt tensioners

Hi all, just woundering if it is possible to replace bearings in 8v cam belt tensioners
Thanks

Ben_nz · Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 9:40 am Post subject:

No idea. The whole tensioner is not that expensive though, so why bother?
My car's original engine died when one of the tensioners failed and the timing belt came off. I think the tensioner bearing must have failed, but the mechanic found the tensioner pulley itself had also disintegrated - so better to replace the whole tensioner just incase?

ZeNiTh-PbArM · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 7:04 am Post subject:

Hi,

it's possible to do the mod
press the pin out, replace bearing, press the pin in.

but i would strongly advise you to have a machine shop make pulleys for you as original ones are made of plastic and will not live longer than 100 000kms.
steel pulleys last a lifetime.
perhaps the 16V bearing+pulley can be fitted? i wonder if it's the same...hmmm i'll take measurements
besides, you can taper the hole and replace the pin with a nice bolt. i did all this a while ago, to replace cambelts and tensioners frequently. Such a mod reduces costs and also speeds up replacement as you don't have to bother with the tensioner springs anymore...just loosen the tensioner, pull it backwards, tighten...remove pulley, change bearing, replace cambelt, reinstall pulley, loosen tensioner, tighten...
with a few little mods like this, cambelt change take no more than 20 minutes....

regards,
zp