i know if you are doing a timing belt job, you should do all of the items, but is it necessary to replace the hydraulic tensioner? i purchased a timing kit from ebay whick included upper idler, tensioner pulley, water pump, and gasket. all from GMB (this supplier supplies most of the big parts stores waterpumps) for $106 + $22 shipping. all made in japan. anyway, after looking through the many threads about timing, i dont really get an answer.....

 

Yes, you should replace it. The chain will wear grooves in the tensioner after time, so it needs to be replaced. Besides, why not do it while you are there anyways?

 

i have timing belt. damn, i thought i had all of the components for the job.

 

OH you have a 95 V6.

Well, in that case, its really up to you. The tensioner is pretty easy to replace, but they tend to be a little spendy. Myself, i would buy it just for the peace of mind. But really, i don't think those things fail very often, if ever.

 

here is the exact reason i didn't buy one. i think i was looking at the wrong illustration from toyota.

this is a nice source to have as well.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...26&catalogid=1

 

toyotapartscheap.com

 

You don't need to replace it unless it's bad or it is leaking. Check that the piston protrudes out by the correct amount as per the FSM, and check that it can't be pressed in at all by hand.

 

I appreciate it, i will be digging into it hopefully sometime this week. I look forward to getting rid of the annoying rattling that comes from the upper idler...

P.S. Is there any reason the upper idler pulley was designed the way it is? I have never seen coolant flow through one before on any vehicle.