Timing Belt: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Mazda Millenia and 2001 Mazda 626. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect timing belt for damaged teeth, cracking and oil contamination. Ensure idler pulleys No. 1 and 2 and tensioner pulley rotate freely. Replace damaged components.
Inspect timing belt tensioner for signs of oil leakage. Replace timing belt tensioner if oil leakage exists. Measure timing belt tensioner rod protrusion from end of rod to edge of the housing. See Fig 1. Replace timing belt tensioner if distance is not within specification. See TIMING BELT TENSIONER SPECIFICATIONS table.

TIMING BELT TENSIONER SPECIFICATIONS ⁽¹⁾

Application

Tensioner Free Length

Millenia

Type "A"

.512-.551" (13.00-14.00 mm)

Type "B"

.563-.594" (14.30-15.10 mm)

626

Type "A"

.563-.594" (14.30-15.10 mm)

Type "B"

.473-.511" (12.00-13.00 mm)

⁽¹⁾	There are 2 types of tensioner for each model. See Fig 2 or Fig 3 .

Fig 1: Measuring Timing Belt Tensioner Rod Protrusion

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Identifying Timing Belt Tensioners (Millenia)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Fig 3: Identifying Timing Belt Tensioners (626)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.