Following my recent timing belt query, I have an Aisin timing belt tensioner on my 1998 Volve V70 XC AWD turbo. This is the one that comes from FCP under the following part number; Aisin (OEM) 9146693. I'm replacing my timing belt after only 40,000 miles (when the tensioner and rollers were also replaced) because the water pump, which was replaced at the same time, has failed. I have been intending to keep the tensioner, which I understand can be good for 140,000 miles. It seems to work properly, and I was able to remove it from the car easily by loosening both bolts, and pushing it to the left. It looks fine and has the white collar in place around the piston. I have pushed on the piston to see if/how easily it will compress, and it will not push in under considerable pressure, though I stopped short of trying too hard to make it compress. I also don't have the steel retaining pin it would have had with it when it was initially put in the car.

From what I have described, does my tensioner sound like it is in good working order? I am not intending to push my luck with it, but as it is relatively easy to replace, unlike the water or oil pump, I feel it should have a lot of miles left in it, and I don't feel the need to spend money on an unnecessary replacement just because the part is out of the car now. I would replace it if it had been in the car for two timing belts, or even just one, but it has barely done 40,000 miles. Does that sound reasonable?

How difficult should it be to compress the piston on this tensioner if one wanted to locate a retaining pin through the hole in the piston?

Thank-you.

 

It's fine. The tensioner piston hardly ever fails. And if it does, thats what the plastic white collar is for.

You shouldn't be able to push the piston into it by hand. When doing a timing belt job and reusing the tensioner, there is a special tool to compress it. Or, you can use a bench vice. But go slowly, a little bit at a time. Tighten the vice, give it a minute or so. Then tighten it up again, and wait another minute or so.

 

I would only replace the water pump and the belt. I compress tensioners with a c-clamp. Take it very slow. Same as step 16 here:

Timing belt replacement instructions on a 1997 Volvo 960