I'm getting my timing belt and ps/alt belt changed right now by a dealer.
They are recommending to change "the tensioner". I'm not sure what this is or if I really need it. I think the price is about $170. At 60k miles, do I really need this?

Please let me know ASAP if you know this. Thanks.

 

bump

I know what the tensioner is now, but why would I need one?

 

yes you should replace your tensioner. I was told by Buschur racing that you need to replace your tensioner if you replace your timing belt.

It is a hydrolic tensioner and they say if you replace the belt it is tighter and the hydrolic tensioner was use to the old belt so it could slip. When i replaced my belt with a HKS belt i replaced my tensioner because Buschur racing recommended it and i trust them 100%

 

What if everything under your hood was stock, would you still change it?

I figure that if it was that important, mitsu would have specified it in the maintenance manual. They specify the timing belt.

 

Off topic but i take it you went to southern IL U???

There is a bar dedicated to SIU here in chicago called Saluki bar named after thier mascot. Just curious......

 

^ yep

 

yes even if everything is stock. Mitsubishi recommends you change it everytime you change the timing belt. I would also recommend changing it everytime you change the timing belt. over time the timing belt stretches and the hydrolic tensioner pushes out on the belt to keep it tight. if you change the belt to a new one the hydrolic tensioner will push out as hard as it did with the old belt which could cause some problems.

 

Yes 100% change the tensioner your crazy not to. I would do the balance belt as well your in there and its like two more bolts

 

Check this out. It is one of several had you done a search. https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=248372

 

There is no documentation by Mitsubishi that says you have to change your tensioner everytime you change the timing belt. Some spend the extra money others don't. In the link to the other post, I as well as the origional thread starter, posed this question our dealers mechanic's and got the same answer: tensioner,waterpump, thermostat, another timing belt: All done at 120k, but are inspected and if it looks like it needs replacing obviously they would advise you to. (although 120k is the next service interval in your manuel, is on the higher end. Although a few members have over 100k with same belt since 60k interval) The tensioner is adjustable, if its "pushed out as hard as it did with the old belt" as the genious prevously posted, that would mean you could not even use it with a new belt, not to mention Mitsubishi would include it in their service schedule since it would cause "problems". The 4G63 engine has been around for several years, Mitsubishi and their Evo mechanics have more knowledge than the numerous walking Evo no-it-all's! Which to make clear I am not. I had the same questions as you do as well as several past Evo owners who posted threads similar questions. After you filter the misinformation etc. You can get an idea of what to talk to your mechanic about. Simple. Logical.

The point being some people believe that their dealer (most logical) is the best advisor for your car. Some feel tuner shops, personal home garage, or friends cars, some of which are not even Mitsubishi's!, are the "go to" advisors. My advise is nothing will hurt to replace everything at 60k and get your "insurance" but with anything who is to say something else could go wrong completely unrelated to the engine! If you replace everything people have problems with on all the different threads, your best "insurance" would be to replace your entire car at 60k! Does Mitsubishi recommend replacing anything more than the timing belt, acc., belt etc? NO, otherwise it would be part of their secheduled maintence. You should search this form. For every waterpump, timing belt, etc. failure or problem, there are four times as many who have no problem once so ever. And I am sure your like every other Evo owner and want to take the best possible care of your vehicle, but at the same time, the horror storys, which some are possibly true, of a part failing and you must replace it because of word of mouth is just plain ignorant. Just my .02

 

Wow!!! all that just to argue with me?

 

Replace the tensioner your crazy not to. I dont care what bucks 1 so called EVO mechanic says

 

Based from your responce, you called out on your statements Your'e just one of the causes for spreading misinformation and to say it came from Mitsubishi!!! At least show your documentation otherwise you just contribute more garbage that hopefully other members are smart enough not to go by. Please don't flatter youself, is a form whereby its information for anyone who reads it not just you!

 

Quote:"
I will just go ahead with the manual's recommendations. My mechanic said it is fine to follow and do the balancer belt and water pump at 120K. He says the b. belt most of the time does not go throug the same stress as the timing belt while being made a bit stronger (thicker). I can get the OEM belt from the dealer for $40 inc. tax.

Eva01" I can find more if you want?

I'm willing to bet you have like 50 tensioners and waterpumps in your livingroom and post your strong opinions about manditory replacment to scare all the nubies into buying from you!!! That's an awsome idea, do you have any others for Integras or Eclipses, I know they have nothing to do with Evo's but since you think one timing belt/ tensioner....... are the same I could scare up some buyers for ya!

 

hey i got an idea to settle all of this arguing.

Whoever is reading this ask yourself this...

Do you trust Bucknaked (someone that just writes in) OR Buschur Racing (people that work on Evos for a living)?

If you dont believe you should change it then just call Buschur Racing. I was told by them that I should change it when i change my belt. And i got 2005 Evo 8, They knew that because i bought all my parts from them.

Also Ask your mitsubishi dealer... OH wait they already said that it should be replaced with the belt!

So really who are you going to believe?

Bucknaked OR Buschur Racing and a Mitsubishi Dealer?