Timing Belt Tension — Do I Need To Check It?

[stephenmcateer]

My 2015 Citigo has had a replacement timing belt fitted at some [Unknown] point in the past.

 

Do I need to check the tension on it?

 

Also, the manufacturer of this belt is INA — are they any good?

 

Thanks for any info.

Edited 23 September, 2021 by stephenmcateer

[freemansteve]

No. There is an automatic tensioner - that's the case with all cambelts.

 

The tensioners are normally changed with the belt, it would be weird for the garage doing the work not do this, as the belts usually come as kits.

 

INA is a commonly supplied belt and kit - I see no reason to worry about it. INA is part of Schaeffler - a German company that also owns FAG & LuK.

 

 

 

Edited 25 September, 2021 by freemansteve

[stephenmcateer]

Okay thanks for that. Useful information.

[Snaefell]

>"Do I need to check the tension on it?"

 

Not in the normal course of operation i.e. the service life of the belt.

 

I'm surprised the belt has been changed on an 2015 vehicle as VW (the engine manufacturer) doesn't have a time limit for the PTFE reinforced belt; and the service schedule states to check the belt after 160k miles (240k km) and to replace if necessary.

 

The cam gears are trioval in design and the belt tension is carried out harmonically at Top Dead Centre.

 

 

 

[stephenmcateer]

Yes —I was a bit disappointed that it'd been replaced. The car has only done 45,000 miles so it seems a bit excessive to me. I would have been happier with the original belt in place.

[stephenmcateer]

Interesting video @Snaefell thanks. Didn't know you could check the tension that way.