Auto Repair Encyclopedia
Timing Belt Tensioner
Parts Description
The Mechanical Timing Belt Tensioner keeps the correct timing belt tension which is critical to the longevity and performance of the timing belt. A lever is pivotally mounted on a shaft which is located within an engine mounted housing that extends outwardly and is adapted to move in a belt tensioning direction. There is 1 or more torsional coil springs mounted on or near the tensioner such that it supplies tensioning force to the lever which applies tension to the belt by way of an idler pulley. Most vehicles use a timing belt idler on an eccentric pivot to set the initial timing belt tension during the belt installation. It is a good practice to replace the tensioner with the timing belt.
