timing belts

[Rosie]

When you replace timing belts, tensioner (idler pulleys), do you also replace spring on tesioner?

[sandy]

I haven't replaced any pulleys yet. Are you sure you need them? I sold a valk with 155K and it still had the original idler pulleys.

[Hook#3287]

I haven't replaced any pulleys yet. Are you sure you need them? I sold a valk with 155K and it still had the original idler pulleys.

Sandy asks a good question, are you really needing to replace the pulleys? 

I've never had to. 

The manual states to inspect for movement and free spinning on the pulleys and damage or fatigue on the springs.

So to answer your question, I'd say not needed, if not damaged or fatigued.

[Alberta Patriot]

I am thinking about switching mine out. (62K miles).
Any advice on securing the pulleys in place to prevent cam timing problems. It is the only thing I am concerned about.
I know they last much longer in terms of mileage, but after 17 years...maybe it is time.

[3W-lonerider]

iv'e replaced probably 10 sets of timing belts on a lot of valks. never have I had a cam  move out of place.
iv;e never taken the spark plugs out either.
only time iv'e ever had cams move when replacing belts was on a 1100 Goldwing.

[sandy]

I am thinking about switching mine out. (62K miles).
Any advice on securing the pulleys in place to prevent cam timing problems. It is the only thing I am concerned about.
I know they last much longer in terms of mileage, but after 17 years...maybe it is time.

As preventative maintenance, I just replaced my belts (21 year old tourer, 56K) and found the pulleys to be smooth as a baby's butt. There was some belt material on the pulleys, so I removed it with 0000 steel wool.

[Tfrank59]

Replacing timing belts even on a low mileage Valkyrie makes sense just because of their age being rubber components, but for The Idler pulleys mainly the bearings and the Springs simply inspect and if there are no issues like excessive play or sticking or not spinning freely then there's no need to worry. Remember these components aren't subjected to high heat if they were the rubber timing belts would fatigue much more quickly and consequently Hondas service manual would recommend replacing them much more frequently than it does. As it is the manual recommends inspecting the belts at 100,000 miles.

[Forge]

I picked up a garage kept 99 IS with only 10,700 miles on it. It had a noisy tensioner/pully that "squeaked" when under tension but spun freely and quietly off the bike. I replaced it and she's fine now.

[Chrisj CMA]

I picked up a garage kept 99 IS with only 10,700 miles on it. It had a noisy tensioner/pully that "squeaked" when under tension but spun freely and quietly off the bike. I replaced it and she's fine now.

Even a good idler pulley on s Valkyrie will squeal if it's belt is even just a little bit too tight.

[Rosie]

Back to original question, does anyone replace the springs on tensioners?

[Tfrank59]

I did not, for the reasons I mentioned.

[Grandpot]

Changing the belts and rollers is good preventive maintenance.  I personally have never replaced the springs.

[Harryc]

'97 Tourer at 35K miles. Springs and rollers...no. Belts yes.

[98valk]

I am thinking about switching mine out. (62K miles).
Any advice on securing the pulleys in place to prevent cam timing problems. It is the only thing I am concerned about.
I know they last much longer in terms of mileage, but after 17 years...maybe it is time.

hi-heat is the biggest enemy of springs. not much heat where they are at.

[Rosie]

Thank You for all the replies, I had not heard of anyone replacing springs. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing it.

[Harryc]

When you replace the belts you will see that after you tighten the tensioners the springs do nothing...therefor it is impossible for them to wear out. I had asked similar questions. Doing the job will help you understand. They literally are useless after you put the belts in. Their only purpose is to put initial tension on the belts prior to tightening the tensioner bolts.

[Brian]

You can rebuild these idler pulleys for about $27 verses the $80 plus what mother Honda wants. I had one pulley that was producing a high pitch whine, with the belt tensioned correctly. Replaced it with a new one and rebuilt the original with a Gates pulley #T42015. Went back in to install the rebuilt one just to try it. Been there for $7,000 miles with no problems. I carry the new one now as a spare part in the saddle bag. I have posted the info here with pictures. Google search the article from the Goldwing owners. They give about 6 different ways to rebuild these.

Back to the original question, "no" on the springs. Like it was stated, they serve no real purpose during normal operation.