replacement of primary tensioner

[dburckhardt]

The primary timing chain tensioner is not working correctly and I need to replace it, but do not want to replace the water pump. The shop manual describes the steps for replacing both.

Does anyone have a method for replacing only the tensioner?

[Ace2cool]

Question: If you're going to tear that far into it, why wouldn't you replace the water pump as well? What year is yours? I'm assuming VQ35 based on tensioner vs belt? Unless the water pump is brand new, I'd go ahead and replace it. Otherwise, more than likely you can just reinstall your old one. But seriously, with a chain driven water pump, it is going to fail eventually, and on a transverse setup like that, it is no easy feat to get to. I'd replace while I'm in there.

[far raf]

I would do the primary and secondary tensioners plus the pump if I was opening the chain covers. It's a 7 hour job at the shop, in a home garage this would take 2x so why saving an hour or two and a few $$ for the pump?