Timing Belt Tensioner REALLY NEED HELP

[RARZ]

So a day or two ago i started hearing a loud noise. I thought it was a lifter or rod knock, but after having a mechanic listen to it, he said it sounded like the timing belt tensioner, So 95% sure it is this tensioner. I am wondering, could just the pulley be replaced. Or does the entire tensioner need to be replaced. Also I have a friend who is a decent mechanic, could we do this job our selves ( I know a little). Is the timing hard to set? and does any one have a write up on changing the timing belt, tensioner pulleys etc?

(if there is another post on this a link would be great)

[Ace2cool]

Um, the FSM has everything you need to know about the timing belt.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/300zx/

How many miles are on the car? I would most likely do the entire 120K mile service if I was pulling everything apart.

[marty1mc]

Yes, you can replace just the pulley if you can find one. You can also replace just the bearing if you can find the right one. However, that may be more difficult to find than you think.

I also agree with Ace. If your tensioner pulley is toast, then the other pulleys probably aren't far behind. I think you should consider doing this right with a 120k kit. Also, get the Ramey studs for your two idler pulleys and avoid having that failure as well. The pulley studs are known to snap which causes catastrophic damage to the engine.

[RARZ]

I only have 84k miles on it, So it has a new water pump and belt, after looking deeper into the noise. It is really sounding like the idler pulley right above the water outlet. Is it acceptable to replace just the pulley on the auto tensioner? If so I will buy the timing belt kit from napa (where I work) it come with the belt 3 pulleys and the 3 seals.

Also I talked to nissan, they have not heard the car but they are saying it could be vtc sprocket? is that just bull s***?

[NolimitZ32]

You have 84k on it but it also has 19 years under it's belt and humidity and heat even while the car is parked will have negative effects on the components. this is why automakers warranty vehicles for xxxk miles/xx years whichever comes first because time does take it's toll.

[RARZ]

I am going to have it done professionally, if this is the problem. Getting it towed to a shop monday for a diagnostic. My biggest question is the auto tensioner. Does the whole unit need to be replaced, or can I get away with just the pulley. If one pulley is making noise then all the pulleys will be replaced.

and what about the VTC sprockets? how common are those to go?

[NolimitZ32]

No clue on the VTCs but the timing is something you needn't be weary of opening your wallet for, in this case its better safe than sorry, if one of the components on the TB fails you are buying a new engine so don't be cheap, get the kit, OEM can be found for under $400 and AEM kits run around $150. You can replace just the pulley if thats whats wrong but like I said, while you (or the shop) are in there its a good idea to just replace everything including water pump

[marty1mc]

I only have 84k miles on it, So it has a new water pump and belt, after looking deeper into the noise. It is really sounding like the idler pulley right above the water outlet. Is it acceptable to replace just the pulley on the auto tensioner? If so I will buy the timing belt kit from napa (where I work) it come with the belt 3 pulleys and the 3 seals.

Also I talked to nissan, they have not heard the car but they are saying it could be vtc sprocket? is that just bull s***?

It is acceptable to replace the pulleys. The pulley bearing is what goes on the tensioner. Definitely replace the seals as well. If it were me (note: I REALLY like my car and don't want the engine not to blow up), I would replace the pulley studs for both idlers with Ramey studs. (Notice: I have now said this twice! hmmm, wonder why?). Link => http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=2939

I would also swap out the belt at the same time. Might as well restart the clock with an OEM belt. Also, make sure your mechanic KNOWS how to do this change. Many mechanics will use the references on the backplate to set the cams and belts. On this motor, it is dead wrong. Use the lines on the belt to the cams and crank, ONLY!

Also, be prepared to buy a new crank sprocket when the front main is changed. They tend to get rusted on and need to be cut off. Then, you will need a new crank sprocket and a new rear crank sprocket washer.

Last, VTC. While I have heard the springs give out and make a hell of a racket, the VTC sprocket itself usually fails by leaking oil. You may need to change the springs and o rings for the VTC. I would anyway while I was in there as well as a thermostat if that hasn't been done already.

[RARZ]

I know that the water pump and timing belt were changed at 60k, so I am not going to be replacing the pump. Also since I am a napa employee I will be purchasing napa parts. The belts are gates and they are pretty good quality. I think I will get the new studs as well. (because I also really LIKE my car.)

[Ace2cool]

OEM or you really don't like your car. I understand you get a discount, but on a timing belt, there's no way in hell I'd do anything other than OEM.

OEM > "pretty good quality" Napa brand belts.

[NolimitZ32]

I'll back RARZ up here, I'd go with gates for a TB any day, they are high quality belts absolutely = to OEM, there are better than OEM belts out there, I think Greddy used to have them and a few other tuner brands, these belts are something like 5 ply reinforced bullet proof craziness but I don't think they justify the more than $200 price tag for just a belt.as for the idlers and studs, yeah definitely go OEM or Ramey, all others tend to suck goats and use cheap a** bearings that will start to whine after 15k miles.

[urgE]

I know this thread is old but to those people who think "OEM" is the only way to go remember this Nissan does not make belts they are not in the belt making buisness they purchase most of their parts from a manufacturer who gave the best bid and put nissans name on it, similar to Walmart brand stuff. Gates has been around for along time and make probably the best belts out there i have used them for 20+ years without even one failure.

[amiry36]

Who needs a bullet proof belt? You afraid someone's gonna shoot your timing belt?

As of belt, get gates. It's like $25 (over here). Good quality. Way Cheaper than blue greddy "racing" belts. And they both do the same Job. To keep the engine timed.

Here's the idler pulley on the auto tensioner. You can just replace this if this is the only problem.

http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=4564

[ThisIsSparTTa]

urgE, the Nissan timing belts have been proven for all applications up until super high HP. They have been in use for years. It doesn't matter that Nissan doesn't make them, at all. The VG30DE(TT) engine is an interference engine. If the belt fails, you just toasted your engine. Gates belts are good, but knocking Nissan branded is silly. Don't go cheap on your timing belt. An engine rebuild will be much more expensive.

Also, no need to necro a 3 year old thread.

And, there's a good guide on TB replacement now: http://z32.wikispaces.com/Timing+Belt+Service