timing/balance belt rollers
07-25-2011, 09:46 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
timing/balance belt rollers
I'm planning a precautionary replacement of the belts due to uncertaintly of maintenance history of my new baby. My questions is: Is it recommended to replace the idlers and tensioners (not including the spring loaded one) at certain intervals or is there a way to check them and save money when the belts are replaced? 
07-25-2011, 10:05 AM
#2
Proprietoristicly Refined
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
mytrplseven,
It took a couple of minutes to find out you have a '87 944 and a 2002 Boxter.
Maybe update your signature line?
Depending on the mileage of your '87, The OEM (original) rollers should have been changed already because of a defect in the rollers.
The Porsche Dealers suggest changing the rollers at a 60K interval.
Clarks says "For timing belt and balance belt tensioners and rollers, I recommend removing the rollers and spinning by hand at each timing belt replacement. If the roller is noisy, it should be replaced. All rollers should be replaced at every other belt change unless it's an individual roller that was replaced during the previous belt change. For pre-1987 model 944s, the timing belt tension roller stud should be replaced at every other belt change."
The "every other belt change" was based on a belt change of 45K miles.
The problem with an actual number is that our cars develop front of engine oil leaks and front crankshaft seal leaks. The belts should be checked and changed earlier.
The other item that should be changed is the cam gear bolt---upgraded.
So test the rollers per Clarks info above and decide.
GL
John
It took a couple of minutes to find out you have a '87 944 and a 2002 Boxter.
Maybe update your signature line?
Depending on the mileage of your '87, The OEM (original) rollers should have been changed already because of a defect in the rollers.
The Porsche Dealers suggest changing the rollers at a 60K interval.
Clarks says "For timing belt and balance belt tensioners and rollers, I recommend removing the rollers and spinning by hand at each timing belt replacement. If the roller is noisy, it should be replaced. All rollers should be replaced at every other belt change unless it's an individual roller that was replaced during the previous belt change. For pre-1987 model 944s, the timing belt tension roller stud should be replaced at every other belt change."
The "every other belt change" was based on a belt change of 45K miles.
The problem with an actual number is that our cars develop front of engine oil leaks and front crankshaft seal leaks. The belts should be checked and changed earlier.
The other item that should be changed is the cam gear bolt---upgraded.
So test the rollers per Clarks info above and decide.
GL
John
07-25-2011, 12:59 PM
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
Great info. Thanks so much for the response. I can't trust 100% the history and maintenance records to be confident that the things you mentioned, i.e., cam bolt upgrade, were in fact done. So, I plan to change the water pump, belts and whatever else needs attention to avoid an unscheduled stop along the road. I guess I'll just replace belts and check the rollers this time to make sure they're ok and if not, then I'll order them before reassembly. I usually get stuff from Vertex within 48 hours so having the car down for a couple of days vs spending money unnecessarily makes more sense. I'll work on the signature line. Again, thanks.
07-25-2011, 01:31 PM
#5
07-25-2011, 02:35 PM
#6
If you have any doubts, i would order them up, its worth it to know its done right!
John, you only get a sig if you are a member these days. My sig was gone until i rejoined.
John, you only get a sig if you are a member these days. My sig was gone until i rejoined.
07-25-2011, 02:44 PM
#7
Hi,
I would add the shaft seals to the list and I would think about replacing the water pump, too. The pump has a limited life time which id not more than twice the lifetime of the timing belts.
The necessary steps of the the repair you may see in the video:
Best regards,
Jürgen
I would add the shaft seals to the list and I would think about replacing the water pump, too. The pump has a limited life time which id not more than twice the lifetime of the timing belts.
The necessary steps of the the repair you may see in the video:
Best regards,
Jürgen
