Timing belt tensioner

[thfrider]

Changed my timing belts this weekend, had no problems at all.  I am puzzled by one thing.  What is the purpose of the springs on the tensioners if you tighten the bolts down?  When I first saw them I thought the springs maintained the tension on the belts.

[Bad On 3]

Hi as i understand it if you didnt have the springs you would have no play and the belt would break easly --you need some kind of give like on a car with the spring loaded tensioners on the pully --  if you dont have any give the belt would snap --the springs take up the slap so the belt wont break --also the springs keep the belt tight when it wears in --

[Joe Hummer]

The springs put a preload on the tensioner until you tighten it...kind of a starting point. 

[thfrider]

Thanks for the reply.  It makes sense that it just gives you a starting point because once you lock those bolts down, that spring is not doing anything.  I let the spring set the tension and then I added just a little.  If you push on the belt you get about .3" deflection.  I ran the bike with the cover off and everthing looked and sounded fine.

[Ricky-D]

Well you'll know over time if everything is correct.

Those tensioner bearings will start to squeel if they're too tight.

No to mention abnormal wear on the belts.

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