Cambelt tensioner info please ?

[5020Chris]

Hi, have stripped the front off the 1uz this morning to do the rotor arms,caps,water pump,idlers, tensioners and cam belt etc and was wondering how the cam belt tensioner works ? Is it a heavy spring of sorts in that tube that is held on with the two studs ? And it has a small hole in the pin that presses on the tensioner arm, do you compress this in a vice and put a small pin in then release it when the new cambelt is on ? It just seems VERY strong to compress and thought i'd ask before I go and screw it up in the vice ! nice one, Chris.

 

[cribbj]

Correct on all points. Also, it's suggested that you use either a very high quality after market timing belt, or better, a belt from your Lexus dealer.

Several of us have found that the cheaper aftermarket belts were still rather loose after installation, and this caused the engine to jump time.

Personally, I have had to put a small cap on the top of the tensioner post to increase its height, and the tension of the belt. I think David (Lextreme) has also had to do this.

 

[gloverman]

If you want to reuse the tensioner then use a vice to compress but be gentle. Add some pressure then wait a moment and you will find it gets a bit easier and compress again. Align the holes before starting as good as you can. If there is any sign of fluid leakage around the top then replace. I keep them in stock as they are very cheap over here in NZ. Cheers