More timing belt/water pump replacement questions

[JET_Fusion]

It's time to replace the timing belt in my 05 SXT. I've used the 2GN search function to read through the various related threads, but I still have a few more questions.

1) Is it necessary to replace the tensioner bracket? I ask because some of the kits only include the pulley.

2) How difficult is it to just replace the tensioner pulley?

3) Does the timing cover require a new gasket? I normally don't see it included in the kits.

4) Someone suggested I change the cam and crank seals, what do you think, is it really necessary? Clearly if I open things up and I find either of these seal leaking, I'll change it. I just feel these fall in the category of if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it.

5) When I read the descriptions of the timing belt/water pump/tensioner kits, nearly all of them don't mention a water pump gasket/seal, but when I read descriptions for just the water pump, the gasket is listed. What's been your experience, if it's not listed it's not included?

6) If I go with a local shop the brand is Duralast, if I go with Rockauto the brand is Gates. The price for all of the pieces tend to be within $20. Local offers more immediate returns if needed. What do you think?

7) My plan is to change the belt next month, so I have time to plan. How's dealing with Rockauto? Anybody ever gone throught their return process?

8 ) How difficult is it to replace the serp belt pulley? I don't believe replacing the whole tensioner is necessary, and I certainly don't want to spend the $200 for the metal. The tension seems normal, but my experience with these pulleys on my Dakota tells me it'll start squeaking anytime now.

[mopar2]

Gates is always a better option than Duralast.

[2005.Neon.SXT]

I didn't change the crank or cam seals... Wasn't sure how to tell if I needed to... My oil pan leaks more. And where my passenger axle goes into the trans, it leaks there too...

Anyway, there's no gasket on the timing cover. There's some sort of rubber lining on the tensioner bracket when it bolts into the side of the timing belt area. And go with Gates, as far as the water pump. It does come with a gasket. But I also lined it with copper RTV sealant anyway. And if you're changing the water pump, might as well flush the coolant and change the thermostat.

I just did mine a few weeks ago, so shoot me a PMs whenever you want.

[nerox]

1) Is it necessary to replace the tensioner bracket? I ask because some of the kits only include the pulley.

for the timing belt yeah better not to risk it

2) How difficult is it to just replace the tensioner pulley?

not as easy as swapping out the whole assembly (and upgrading to mech tensioner if required)

3) Does the timing cover require a new gasket? I normally don't see it included in the kits.

dont think so

4) Someone suggested I change the cam and crank seals, what do you think, is it really necessary? Clearly if I open things up and I find either of these seal leaking, I'll change it. I just feel these fall in the category of if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it.

cam seal is easy, i changed that on mine because i had the rocker cover off anyway to do the spark plug tubes and cover seals, but it its not leaking you could bypass it

5) When I read the descriptions of the timing belt/water pump/tensioner kits, nearly all of them don't mention a water pump gasket/seal, but when I read descriptions for just the water pump, the gasket is listed. What's been your experience, if it's not listed it's not included?

in my experience ... 99% of water pumps come with the seal included, the kit i got from RockAuto (Gates kit) included the gasket


6) If I go with a local shop the brand is Duralast, if I go with Rockauto the brand is Gates. The price for all of the pieces tend to be within $20. Local offers more immediate returns if needed. What do you think?

for peace of mind i would go with gates

7) My plan is to change the belt next month, so I have time to plan. How's dealing with Rockauto? Anybody ever gone throught their return process?

RockAuto are excellent, i use them for everything possible, i only had 1 problem when they sent me the wrong set of headbolts, i emailed them with a photo of what i received as proof and they sent the correct part FOC including shipping to UK

8 ) How difficult is it to replace the serp belt pulley? I don't believe replacing the whole tensioner is necessary, and I certainly don't want to spend the $200 for the metal. The tension seems normal, but my experience with these pulleys on my Dakota tells me it'll start squeaking anytime now.

good idea to replace the pulley, theyre not that expensive and the bearing could go bad, its easy to change, takes 5 mintes to undo the torx-screw and put the new one in