brihoppy

hey all...

got my 02 wrx booked in next week for the above service which includes a cam-belt change...its costing enough as it is but the guy at the garage says that they may have to replace the cam-belt actuator/tensioner or somehting like that as it may be leaking and apparently theyre having to replace 75% of them during servicing...

anyone know if this is the case as it always seems that lot are wanting to replace something or other every time i have it in...?!?!

cheers, bri...

miff13

I had this when I had my cambelt service done last year at a Subaru dealer so I assume it's true. Mine had a squeak under the bonnet and the new tensioner fixed that so it was worth it (and I think they said they wouldn't guarantee the cambelt for 12 months if I didn't have it done). At least he warned you before the service, my dealer didn't!

D1CCY

Scoobyclinic changed my cambelt (03STi) in Jan. I asked them to check pulleys/tensioner and they said it was all OK. SC are quick to point out problems if they are found but also careful not to do anything unnecessary. I think most of the cost in replacement is labour to access so even if there was a tensioner problem it shouldn't cost too much.

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

It is a distinct possibility, unfortunately. It certainly doesn't happen all the time, but is not uncommon.
The tensioner is removed when replacing the belt and the correct re-compressing procedure must be followed to allow a retaining pin to be inserted to hold back the piston when re-fitting the tensioner to the block. The pin is then removed to allow the piston to tension the belt.
JohnD

brihoppy

try 112 quid + vat...!!!

D1CCY

Said it wouldn't be much.

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

112 is a lot considering its a uk part. mine is going for 50,000 service soon so i'll have to see if i get stung for this too.

pretty poor i reckon. if most need it doing why isn't it on the actual service schedule as a part to replace? seems a bit iffy but not really in a position to question it are we?

5t.

greenonedave

hi, had mine done at 50000 serv as well

scooty

It is usual practice these days, whatever car you drive, for the main dealers and specialists to change the tensioner when changing the cambelt.

What can happen - particually if the car uses a manual tensioner - is that when the belt is replaced the new belt will run at a slightly tighter tension than the old worn belt, therefore increasing the tension on the bearing in the tensioner etc. If that tensioner is slightly worn, the wear rate will increase and they have been known in the past to seize and snap the belt = a new engine.

To be honest I would rather spend the money on the part while the belt is being replaced rather than replace an engine later!

Of course for added peace of mind - a genuine Subaru belt and tensioner are covered by a 3 year/60 000 mile warranty.

S

pitcha44

my brother got his cam belt changed and never had the tensioner changed at the same time. just came off motoway and the engine died the tensioner had gone awol luky there was no damage to the engine but for £100 get it done.

oh it wasnt a scoob by the way it was his sh*tty fiat punto

nik52wrx

As already said, most of the cost involved is labour so in my book its worth spending a few extra pounds to have the tensioners done while the car is in bits getting the belt done.
Nik.

deanturner7777@btinternet

hi m8
i had a n reg jap import that went in for a service when i first got it which i asked for a cambelt change.the guy said to me that the cam belt tensioner had gone plus a few other things so to me this dosnt sound too bad.if this is the case get it done