968Forums.com

When researching the highly-recommended Gates belts (thanks for all who chimed in on that topic), I noticed Gates also makes rollers for the 968, which makes me wonder whether the entire drive belt assembly wasn't originally built by Gates. Are they a good source for rollers, or is there a better source, like the dealer or Paragon?



Also, since the balance shaft belt is under so little stress, is replacement of the balance shaft rollers really necessary? I did just the balance shaft belt a couple of years ago when the old one sheared a bunch of teeth (belt was the wrong width), and the rollers seemed perfect, so I kept them in there.



Finally, I assume replacement of the timing belt tensioner is recommended, which makes sense. Any recommendation for a good source for the tensioner? Thanks!

I change my rollers with every belt change. Cheap insurance.

IMHO I would at least change them every other belt change.



Be careful when buying belt and roller "kits". They usually come with an extra roller which is not required. I guess the price maybe a little higher because that extra roller is included.



I did not know gates made the rollers. According to a poster in the other thread gates did the belt design for the 944 series cars.



I forget which source, but I think the tensioner is less than $100. You may as well do everything once. Perhaps support the boards sponsors (even if you spend an extra couple of bucks.

If the timing belt tensioer isn't leaking, why replace it? Just for a good nights sleep?

Depending on age and milage, how could you know it wont start leaking next week.

Then you will lose tension on your timing belt, and then valves and pistons become friends?

apparently if the tensioner fails, it can also cause the water pump to not spin correctly, which results in overheating - this happened to one owner, who can now fill you in on more detail

Yes, there are a bunch of things that can go wrong within this complex belt/drive assembly, so to me it makes sense to go ahead and replace all moving parts as long as I'm in there. I just want to get the best quality parts without getting taken to the cleaners, and am in the process of sifting through all the available choices.

definitely check out pelican

[quote name='flash' post='46303' date='Jan 24 2008, 07:07 PM']definitely check out pelican[/quote]

Will do - I haven't used them much, as I've favored Paragon due to all the favorable reviews, and the fact that they're a sponsor, but I'll give Pelican a look. Thanks.