Tension Compressor Tool (Timing Belt)

[yourrealdad]

I have to replace the timing belt and all the good stuff that comes along with it. Should be a test of my skills.
I bought the Aircabinman kit on ebay and the kit says it comes with a hydraulic tensioner.

My question is do I need to buy the tension compression tool? I read somewhere that if you are replacing the tensioner then you don't need to get the tool is that correct?

Thanks

 

[4ever4running]

That is correct, you only need the tensioner tool if you are going to reuse the old tensioner. The tensioner tool is used to compress the tensioner so you can insert a pin and "lock" it in place until it is reinstalled. However, since you bought a new tensioner, it will already be pinned in the "lock" position so all you have to do is install the tensioner and remove the locking pin.

 

[Nashvegas34]

+1. Did this a few months ago with the same kit. I'd recommend replacing the rollers, too, since they're part of the kit and you're already that deep in there. One of mine had a kind of light grinding feel, which I think was causing a squeal. With all new parts it runs quiet like it was a new truck. The only things I didn't use were the two cam seals. Mine weren't leaking so I just held onto them.

Also, many writeups will say you have to remove the A/C compressor to get the tensioner off because the back bolt is hard to reach. You don't, you can get to it from directly underneath. I needed a 10" wobble socket extension so I could reach up there and get the angle right. Not sure if it would be different on a 4wd, but I think you can still do it.

 

[scottyb]

I had to remove the a/c compressor and bracket. Mine is a 4WD. There wasn't any way around it as far as I could tell. Maybe the 2WD and 4WD are different. Either that or Nashvegas34 is a magician.

And if you do need to compress the tensioner for some reason, you can use a vise or a c-clamp. Just compress it slowly and it'll be fine.

Getting to the tensioner was one of the only things I've found on the engine where I was like wft? I'm sure the engineers could have made the tensioner bolts accessible if they wanted to. Anyway, here's the best pics I could find of the problem area:

Good luck!

 

[yourrealdad]

Thanks for all the replies.

So if the tensioner comes "locked" and then I just have to remove the pin, where is the pin coming from? Should I have it in the kit? Sorry just kind of confused on that.

Thanks again

 

[Nashvegas34]

Here is where I found out about getting to the tensioner without pulling the A/C compressor:

What to change in Timing Belt service? - YotaTech Forums
Post #17

From under the truck, take a flashlight and shine it up toward the tensioner to make sure you can see it. Basically there is a long rectangular wire loom/sheath (mine was white) that you can unbolt and move an inch or so, giving you just enough space to slide a 10"-12" wobble socket extension straight up and onto the tensioner bolt. Oddly enough, if you use several extensions connected together, the order matters because the space is so tight in one spot that the flared end of an extension will get caught. That's why it was easier for me to use one long extension so the narrower shaft could fit.

 

[Nashvegas34]

Thanks for all the replies.

So if the tensioner comes "locked" and then I just have to remove the pin, where is the pin coming from? Should I have it in the kit? Sorry just kind of confused on that.

Thanks again

The pin should already be in the tensioner. It looks like a grenade pin, or just a basic ring pin. Take a pic of what you got and post it if you're not sure.

 

[yourrealdad]

Just ordered the kit so I will post a picture when I get it in. Thanks for the help, I am reading that same forum post right now on yotatech

 

[scottyb]

Huh, I guess I'll have to give that a try next time I do the timing belt.

And as far as the pin, you can really use any pin if your tensioner didn't come with one. I've used small allen wrenches in the past. If it's a new kit, I'm sure it has a pin.

 

[TheDurk]

Huh, I guess I'll have to give that a try next time I do the timing belt.

And as far as the pin, you can really use any pin if your tensioner didn't come with one. I've used small allen wrenches in the past. If it's a new kit, I'm sure it has a pin.

Toyota is the only maker of the tensioner and all new ones come with the pin in it. If yours didn't, you waz scrooed.