How Much Play Should I Have On My Timing Belt?

[predator]

Pulled my car to pieces today.. Whilst I was there, I thought I'd have a quick squizz at the timing belt to see what condition it is in (never checked since I got it..lol).

Belt seems ok, but was a little concerned about the play in the belt. There was enough to be able to pull it 0.5cm or so outwards with my finger.

Is this normal, or should it be on there tensioned tight with minimal flex?

Guess it may be time to replace it.. doesn't give me more power though

[benl1981]

I think that is about normal...I thought mine was really loose but after showing a few people they didnt think it was that bad. All depends how much force you put on it to deflect it that much.

I replaced mine anyway - it is a decent job though

[jezzerrr]

I have just replaced my water pump as it karked it today, would you believe the radiator shop had a water pump to suit on the shelf! but anyway i did the belt back up to what i thought was the right tension (read: fairly tight) and now it whirrs and at low rpm makes the car sound sick. not the good sick.

So yeah, dont do it up too tight! and it's a pain in the arse to get to the adjuster so make sure you get it right the first time! dammit...

[lwells]

According to SK from his Stagea beltchange thread:

Personally I set the belt tension so that I can move it 5mm in and out (ie; 10 mm total movement) using one finger. You should not able to play it like a violin because it is so tight. Measurement is done between the inlet pulley and the tensioner. You should have the same amount of movement from the exhaust camshaft pulley to the idler pulley.

[jezzerrr]

re-adjusted to 5mm play and all is well 1 hour turnaround with 2 people working on it

[SDEWY5]

is the buzzing noise bad for the belt? i just replaced al the belts on mine and its making a buzzing noise from the cam pulleys, i think its just the belt bedding in. My belt is on there fairly tight, not overly..i can still push it up and down a good 4-5mm up and down.