Broken timing belt tensioner/Got lucky

[Cpl Dirk Hradec]

So I figured out what the noise was coming from the front of the engine. As it sounded like worn bearings I checked the pulleys. I replaced the power steering pulley and the bearings in the AC idler pulley, as well as the power steering pump belt. When I still had the noise I decided it was time to take the rig to the shop. (Actually my wife did). Anyway, turns out the timing belt tension pulley had disassembled itself. According to the mechanic, it came out in several pieces, not including the ball bearings. I wanted to get a picture of the engine before it was reassembled but the mechanic had the engine back together before I got off work. I didn't think it was possible for the vehicle to continue running when that happens, let alone for over two weeks. The work cost a little over $640.00 but was worth it considering what it could have cost.

Has anybody else had something like this happen?

 

[granitex]

Had one go while on a trail on moab a few years ago, got all of the way home (1500) miles before I figured out what it was. Hopefully they did an entire service while they were in there. Water pump, cam seals, belts, hoses, timing belt.

If everything is already apart it only makes sense.

Glad that it odid not skip a tooth or three on you.

 

[Cpl Dirk Hradec]

You got even more lucky granitex. Not only is Moab not a cheap place to break down, but that's a long way to go in that condition. I swapped an alternator in my 4 Runner in the Moab City Market Parking lot one afternoon--But that's a different story. Glad to know you got home ok.

The mechanic replaced all the stuff that might as well be replaced while you're in there. There was a pretty good pile of parts and seals on the floor when I went to pick it up. The old timing belt looked like it was in pretty good condition. Hopefully, I can get on with the regularly scheduled work on that rig now.