While changing the timing belt....

[McFlash]

While changing the timing belt, I know that I'm also supposed to take a look at the water pump and replace it if necessary.
For some reason I remember reading on this site about another component that I should check on as it may be an inexpensive part, but could cause a good about of damage if it breaks.

Anyone have an idea what I'm talking about by my vague hints or am I dreaming up more work to be done?

[narfire]

A couple perhaps... While the timing belt is off, check the tensioner bearing. If it is not nice and smooth and the seal is pooched, swap that out...easy to do and not too bad $$$ wise.
The other is if you don't have a history of the rubber flex disk that joins the drive shaft to the tranny, change that. Over time they can develope cracks that get bigger and eventually will let go with catastrophic results as the front of the shaft is beating on the inside of the trany tunnel.

[McFlash]

Thanks a bunch!

My mechanic actually didn't think to check the rubber flex disk, so now it's on the list. I'd hate to have a simple thing like that go and have my machine be down for the count.

[McFlash]

NarFire,

What do you suppose the cost of parts are for the rubber flex disk and the tensioner bearing?

[narfire]

What do you suppose the cost of parts are for the rubber flex disk and the tensioner bearing?

Off the top of my head... not going to guess but 3 vendors have web sites with access to online catalogs

International Auto Parts
Vicks Auto
And of course Auto Riciambi...Vandor is a contibutor here

Ok Ok I'll guess...perhaps $30.00- $40.00 each??
Chris

[djape1977]

ne need to replace water pump when replacing a timing belt. even if it fails at some point, nothing bad will happen provided that you look at the temperature gauge from time to time. unlike modern cars, on 124 the water pump ain't timing belt driven.

[McFlash]

Seems like while it's accessible, it might be a good idea to replace anyway. Especially when the parts cost is minimal. Getting that access after the water pump fails seems like it would be a hassle, not to mention expensive.

Just a thought. Am I NOT on the right track??

[djape1977]

it's not that hard to replace water pump with timing belt on and most replacement parts are made out of pure crap so it will last much shorter than oem pump. if it ain't broke, don't fix it

[divace73]

i'm with djape1977, the water pump is easy to change and the only advantage to do it while the timing belt is off is to save coolant...but I'd only change it when it needs it, if it ain't broken...
I'd change the tensioner bearing if it hasn't been done for a long time

[Fi8spider]

Now would be a good time to check and replace any weaping cam, auxillary shaft and or front crank seals.
A dead set give away to any problems with cam seals would be a misty oil stain inside the hood over the cam wheels or inside the cam cover.

I'd also be checking the condition of the timing belt gears as they can wear out too.

[swede]

Dont forget to put the oil pump auxillary shaft in rigth position when putting back the belt, wrong position migth cause some serius damage.