Looking for some quick advice on an upcoming weekend job. I'm ordering a timing belt and water pump kit for my 2001 Tacoma which includes the hydraulic tensioner and pulleys. All of the guides I am looking at indicate you need some specialized tensioner tool to compress the hydraulic tensioner. Since this is getting replaced with parts from the kit do I need the compressor. All things being equal, I would rather not spend money on a single use tool if I can get away without it.
If the hydaraulic tensioner comes in the kit, I'm sure you can live without the tool. Its likely, in fact, that you will own the tool after purchasing the kit.
I just did the job on my Sequoia. You don't need the tool unless you're going to re-use your old tensioner. I got the full Gates kit with a new one. And really, you can just compress it with a bench vise anyhow. The "pin" is just that....a big pin. Don't pull it until everything is assembled.
In case you want a good video how-to, I found this one to be the best:
It's a 2 or 3 video series. I think this is the second one, but the other two have the same title if you want to look them up. I found it to be pretty much totally accurate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM1A0DWhRHc
I use a vise and 1/16" drill bit. I have about 30 broken 1/16" drill bits around and that's about all they're good for.
Yep. Vice and bit or wire takes care of the tensioner. Though I will say, using the cute ~$20 tool is quicker and easier. But, just take it off the engine, compress it in the vice, insert the drill bit or wire, and reinstall.
If you need to, compress it slowly. Too fast can damage the valving.
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