The ford timing belt renewal interval is 100 000 miles / 10 years. My question is if a ford focus 1.8 petrol has covered 100 000 miles or is 10 years old, and the mechanic changing the timing belt and tensioner considers that the idler pulley is still working properly and doesn't change it, how is the car owner supposed to know when or if in the future it will need doing?
2007-03-09 08:41:44 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The mechanic can certainly recommend the tensioner and idler be replaced as preventive maintenance as long as he's in there. As the vehicle owner you may elect to replace them or not replace them. It is your choice. But you do take the risk that either could fail in the future. They probably won't, but they could. The choice is yours.
2007-03-09 09:10:48 · answer #1 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Idler pulleys tend to last a long time. There is only a sealed bearing, and because they are sealed and there a small amount of side tension on it, the pulley can likely go over 200,000 miles and still not need to be replaced.
If you hear a loud squeaking noise coming from the pulley, or if your timing belt experiences much higher than normal wear, then I'd replace the pulley. Of course, if you have money to spare, by all means replace the pulley now.
2007-03-09 08:49:24 · answer #2 · answered by Partisanshipsux 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The idler pulley has a very long life expectancy and really there is not need to worry, if it is starting to fail it will first become very noisy.
2007-03-09 09:31:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
at 100,000 or 10 years a timing belt kit should be fitted!
this includes the belt, new tensioner and any idlers anyone just fitting a belt should be avoided.
2007-03-09 23:57:17 · answer #4 · answered by chunky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
find out what guarantee fords offer on a belt kit if it's less than a year and restricted mileage you have your answer. cost wise it's cheaper in the long term to replace all ancillary items relating to the belt. if a pully breaks up (which does happen) strip down to replace bent valves and broken guides will be significantly more and you will also have to replace the belt again.
2007-03-09 12:53:26 · answer #5 · answered by Mick W 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry too much about it. I doubt that within the next 100,000 miles the idler pully will cause you any problems.
2007-03-09 08:46:55 · answer #6 · answered by Ferret 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mechanic will tell you anything to get money join the rac and they will check your car for you
2007-03-09 08:45:06 · answer #7 · answered by ELAINE F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋