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Showing results for tags 'Idler Pulley'.
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Ok, I need a gut check here. I was recently driving my 03 Baja when, according to the mechanic, one of the timing belt idler pulleys locked down causing the belt to break causing catastrophic engine damage to the tune of 4-4.5k. What's making this really tough for me is that about 15 months ago and less than 30k miles I had the timing belt replaced along with a new water pump, seal kit to the engine, plugs, resurfacing the head and then some. I believe all in I spent about 3.5k. Some background is when I took the vehicle in I felt I was either using or losing oil as I was having to add oil about every 2 weeks. After having the car in the shop about 3 times, I was never really satisfied the leak problem was fixed as I was still putting in about a half quart a week, but oddly the amount of loss would vary, some weeks a half quart, another week none, the next week 1. The shop manager was obviously aggrivated with me and so I just gave up and kept pouring oil in it when needed. Fast forward to now. When I had my Baja towed in, I was shocked when the mechanic told me that when the belt was changed, they failed to change the idler pullies with the exception of 1. He seemed a little lost for an explanation as to why they would have done it that way himself stating to me that he ALLWAYS changed the idler pullies when he did a timing belt replacement. He said that even if they looked ok, the odds of them outliving the new timing belt were slim and so replacement was a must. When I spoke to a friend who had her Outback in a different dealshiper around the same time, she told me that they told her they would not do the timing belt without changing the idler pulleys. So here I am, I'm no mechanic and honestly when I spent $3500 dollars trying to get my vehicle into good condition, hoping it would last me at least into my quickly approaching retirement, feeling like I was being responsible and getting the necessary maintenance done to keep my car in good working order, I just took it on faith that everything that needed to be done with regard to the timing belt was being done. I had no idea to be honest there were 3 idler pulleys that needed to be replaced so I didn't question it when I got the invoice. Afterall, they are the experts. So I'm just sick. I really can't afford the extra 4k to fix something that I feel llike I already spent the money to prevent having happen in the first place. I don't want to be a B; but I really feel like this problem was caused by a failure on the part of the shop that did the original job to do it correctly. Am I wrong? Is it possible that this is just bad luck and could not be forseen by the mechanics that changed the belt originally? I'm at a loss and just need the opinion of some folks with a little more experience and understanding of the system at play here. I'm hesitant to go back to the dealership, as I said I think I wore out my welcome with them over the oil leak never being resolved to my satisfaction, yet I really feel in my gut that this is their mistake. Any advice? Should I complain, just let it go? I'm just not sure. -
2003 VDC Outback 3.0L H6. Replaced the Harmonic Balander (Crankshaft Pulley) a few months back. Then earlier this week, after hearing a bit of a squeal from the Idler Pulley and Belt Tensioner, replaced the Drive Belt, Idler Pulley and Belt Tensioner Assembly for the peace of mind (that was recommended by members here after the Harmonic Balancer/Crankshaft Pulley went). Based on what I've read and seen, if these parts haven't been replaced on your Subaru and you've driven over 90K miles, I'd replace them (and you can keep the originals as spares if you like). Ours lasted 113K miles. I checked out the old pulleys. Whatever grease was originally in the pulleys, it was just dry powder by now. Our good indie mechanic was able to do it all parts and labor for replacing the Idler Pulley, Tensioner Assembly and Drive Belt for $230. It got rid of background noise and the squeal. Fast Forward a few days to today... Barely drove the car (not more than about 25 miles) when the VDC Light lit up on the dashboard (indicating VDC is now off), followed by the Check Engine light minutes later. Luckily the Check Engine Light went on just as I pulled up to my driveway. Immediately cut the engine and smelled a bit of oil burning. Looked under car and noticed leaking oil. What could have caused this? I'm having the car towed back to the same garage first thing tomorrow (Saturday) morning.- 5 replies
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- Idler Pulley
- Tensioner Assembly
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