Did I buy a tool I don't need (for changing timing belt)?

[97blkt4r]

I am going to be to doing some maintenance on my '97 4runner next week. One of the jobs I will be doing for the first time is changing the timing belt and water pump. I bought this kit: Toyota 3 4L V6 Complete Timing Belt Water Pump Kit | eBay along with a Timing Belt Tensioner Compressor tool, since pretty much all the write-ups on changing the timing belt use this. I realized though that the kit comes with a "Hydraulic Tensioner" and I'm wondering if this is same thing as the "Timing Belt Tensioner"? If so, then since I'm replacing it then there is no point in being able to use the tool to put the pin in the old one, right?

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help shed light on this for me.

 

[jreask]

If you are changing the tensioner then you don't need the tool to push the tensioner back so you can put the pin in it. You have to remove the air conditioner bracket and AC to remove the tensioner. This takes a lot of time because the bolts are not easily accessible. They are a PITA to remove. Depending on how many miles are on your truck you shouldn't have to change the rollers and tensioner. If you are getting close to 200K it might be a good idea to change them all with the belt and water pump.

 

[97blkt4r]

Thanks for the reply. I thought that might be the case. And so far as replacing the tensioner, it has 175,000 miles on it and I am planing on keeping my 4runner forever, so I figured I'd spend the extra to take care of it now.

 

[nissanh]

Get the crank and cam oil seals from the dealer. Don't install any unknown brands (the ebay seller has some other brand) Try this link: Toyota Timing Belt Water Pump Kit Genuine Parts 4 Runner Truck 3 4L V6 | eBay


As Jreask said, remove the AC bracket and move the AC compressor aside to access the bolts for the T-belt tensioner. DO NOT REMOVE the AC compressor from the freon lines

 

[topless87]

Done my t-belt and water pump today. Got the water pump and timing belt for 114.83. I used judgment call and did not replace the tensioner. Had plenty of torque on it and to hold it back i sheared off a small allen key. The dealer does not recomend changing these seals unless problems are occuring. In my case my were not leaking so i did not change the seals. But i can do the work my self if it does start to leak i will just pop them in but from a business stand point at my work we would not do the job with out doing the seals.

 

[97blkt4r]

Get the crank and cam oil seals from the dealer. Don't install any unknown brands (the ebay seller has some other brand) Try this link: Toyota Timing Belt Water Pump Kit Genuine Parts 4 Runner Truck 3 4L V6 | eBay


As Jreask said, remove the AC bracket and move the AC compressor aside to access the bolts for the T-belt tensioner. DO NOT REMOVE the AC compressor from the freon lines

Thanks for the info. I'll keep that in mind.

 

[kball]

You don't have to touch the a/c bracket unless you really want to. Use a 1/4 ratchet and extensions topped with a wobble socket and you're golden.

 

[Brian757]

You don't have to touch the a/c bracket unless you really want to. Use a 1/4 ratchet and extensions topped with a wobble socket and you're golden.

I knew you were the original poster of that tool, but thanks for saying it. I was going to suggest the wobble socket if you didnt.

 

[kball]

Don't wait for me Brian! Save these guys some skin and let them know!!

 

[Harleydoc]

U don't need a special to for the tensioner a big c clamp the push it back down and a small Allen to stick in the hole been there done that a few times. If you don't have a impact you may need a tool to hold the crank and you may have to put a bit if heat to get it to break lose. In less you use the starter to break it lose I would not do it this way but a lot of people done.