2003 1.4 timing belt tensioner - grenade pin type

Hi quick question. I did my gf timing belt yesterday car running fine but I've nagging doubt about the tensioner. It was one of the "grenade pin" type where you fit the belt and pull the pin. I set the belt keeping the timing marks in place, it was a bit tight to get the belt on even with the pin still in. Once I'd got it in place I pulled the pin and was a slight bit of movement of the tensioner then I tightened the lock nut. Rotated by hand then put it all back together and car running great. Just seemed too easy though....is that all you have to do to tension it? Pull the pin?. In the old days I used to work on the "can twist the belt 1/4 turn at longest run" to set the tension correctly. Should I be worried? Any comments appreciated. Thanks

This looks perfect.

The pointer is in the correct position after rotating the engine manually.

Thanks for that, it was a wee bit out when I checked it but I've reset couple times and spun engine over by hand a lot and seems stable now. Lock tighted nut and torqued up so all good now

Fit the belt keeping belt tight on the opposite side.

Release the tensioner pin

Remove the locking pins

Rotate the engine twice, manually to settle the belt

Tighten the tensioner

Rotate the engine again and check the tensioner pointing finger is correct (as in your photo)

Job done



It is always worth replacing the complete kit of idler, tensioner and belt at the same time.

Also worth considering the water pump etc, particularly if this is the second belt.

Yep did the full kit

Here is the long version if you are interested.

tips-for-a-petrol-powered-c3-f7/how-to- ... t3868.html