How often should the timing belt tensioner changed?

[muflah]

So I change the belt every 10k/15k kms cause it's much cheaper than towing my car to the mechanic but I was thinking I have only changed the tensioner once, like 15k kms ago, and this one is also aftermarket, NTN written on it but I have no idea about the brand. How often should I change it? My mechanic didn't change it saying that I'm wasting money on unnecessary maintenance and I'm being paranoid.

It's a 2011 Cultus.

[hash4u]

Are you seriously changing timing belt at 10,000 km's

Should be done around 80k kms along with bearing

[pwuser162557941033]

If you have a genuine brand new timing belt (not a counterfeit - yes, there are counterfeits.) then it should last about 80-100K before it needs replacement. You generally replace the tensioner at the same time as the belt. Some people even do water pump, guides, whatever else, and then you don't have to touch it again for 100K.

10-15K doesn't make sense. Why are you changing your belt this early? And even if you are because it's a counterfeit and you know this and want to change it preventatively, you don't need to change the tensioner at these intervals. It's fine for 80-100K I'm pretty sure. Read your owner's manual.

NTN is a popular and reputed maker of bearings of all kinds, also for OEMs.

[Xulfiqar]

Timing belt tensioner is replaced at 100,000 kms along with the belt,

With the job you are supposed to change the cam and crank seals too and also buy a foam seal for the belt cover.

Replace the water pump and thermostat too, then refill with genuine coolant and drive worry free for the next 100,000 kms

15000 kms cam belt change? Does your car say Ferrari on it by any chance?

[muflah]

No but I was thinking of getting a horse sticker. 🤣

Okay so this happened twice in the last 2 years, timing belt broke while driving. The one I'm able to get is some Mitsubishi copy or idk but it's not Mitsubishi its Mitsobushi something and it's cheap like 1900 so that's why I'm doing 10k/15k kms. I used to use this other brand, I guess it's Bondo but couldn't get one from last year. It's more like a preventative measure.

The seals/gaskets and water pump are relatively new. Last time I changed the belt we also replaced the tensioner, water pump and seals.

[muflah]

It's a counterfeit, I believe, that's why changing so early. I wasn't sure about NTN, but it's good to know that it's a reputed brand.

[muflah]

Yeah.

Like even the font on the belt is still visible... I'm changing the belt every 3/4 months. Gives me peace of mind. Wasn't sure about the bearing/tensioner.

[Xulfiqar]

I think you are installing the wrong type of belt, are the teeth the wrong profile?

A square cut belt pulley when used with rounded belt teeth will cause the belt to shred and overheat and then break

Similar happens the other way round too

[muflah]

It's a possibility. Changing the belt prematurely is more of a habit now, which started even before I got this car.

[ruthdavid3219]

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