Brand new cambelt tensioner bearing problem

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snafu
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Posts: 239
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 07:06
Model: Excel SE
Colour: White
Year: 1989
Location: Cape Province, South Africa

Brand new cambelt tensioner bearing problem

Post by snafu »

I had my new cambelt tensioner bearing installed along with all new belts including the cambelt. This last week I took the car on a 500 mile round trip to Cape Town, but I noticed after the first 100 odd miles a screech / squeal coming from the front of the engine. I stopped the car and felt for excessive heat on belts and bearings, but there was none and I continued on my journey. The squeal would come and go, but more there than not and every now and then I would stop the car, switch off, and check for excessive heat.

Arriving back at home and taking off the bonnet I found that the squeal was coming from the brand new tensioner bearing. I gave the centre of the bearing a quick spray with penetrating oil and the squeal immediately disappeared.

I am wondering if this noise could be caused by the rubber front of the bearing running against the bearing itself.

Do you think that I should get another bearing just to be on the safe side or have you any suggestions.
1984 Lotus Esprit Turbos, Calypso Red (E.F.I.), 1989 Lotus Excel SE.

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chrisw2811
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Model: Excel SE
Colour: Calypso Red
Year: 1986
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Re: Brand new cambelt tensioner bearing problem

Post by chrisw2811 »

I've replaced mine three times and not encountered the problem. I assume that the bearing spun freely before it was fitted. How easy was it to fit the bearing onto the eccentric carrier? Could the squealing be due to a trace of muck that somehow got pushed into the seal? Might be worth checking it by starting the engine from cold and checking the temperature of the bearing after a couple of minutes.
1986 Excel SE, 1985 FJ1100, 2012 Passat TDI Estate, 2012 Golf TSi, 2010 Mini R56, 1985 Yamaha Salient 1964 Raleigh Runabout 1960 Motobecane 1979 Honda NC50 , '02 Montesa 315R

Well, if I was right all the time I'd get to be predictable!

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