Timing belt tensioner

Like to add that I was told this due to my car making a ticking noise or other loud noise at cold start only and disappears after that. As long as I continue to use my car thruout the day it's fine unless it sits for a few hours and then does it again. Any suggestions it may be something else??

What is the question or what kind of help are you looking for? What do you consider a fair price? How did anyone even know the tensioner was needed? If there really is a problem with it, it's more than likely the timing belt was already damaged. Normally it's the timing belt that is needed, and a conscientious mechanic who has your best interest at heart will want to replace the tensioner and idler pulley to insure the quality of the repair. The same goes for the water pump if it is driven by the timing belt.

That is what they told me was causing the ticking sound on cold start. My question or rather questions is if that sounds about right and the cost of $1300 being reasonable??

Just to add to this one is that the correct mileage 56,000 miles?Also you could have a exhaust leak I have seen them leak when cold and go away when the engine warms up.

Good suggestions and worth looking into.

If I were to show you the list I gave my students of all the taxes, insurances, government regulations, and other expenses repair shops have to cover, you would wonder how they can pay all their bills by only charging around $100.00 per hour labor. Still, the amount you were quoted sounds high. To add to the confusion, if you listed the correct engine size, it uses a timing chain, not a belt, and the tensioner has a toothed ratcheting device that extends when adjustment is necessary, and latches there. It doesn't develop its pressure from pressurized engine oil like some do. Those are the ones that typically cause problems.

Because anything related to a timing chain or belt is a very involved repair, no mechanic is going to replace just one part. He is going to install a kit that has all the parts normally replaced during this service. That kit could cost around $300.00 to $500.00. I don't know how many hours the job is supposed to take or whether this repair on a hybrid takes longer than with other cars. The more I think about it, getting a second opinion seems like a good idea, especially in light of Saturntech9's comments.

Thank you. Yes the exact mileage is 56,600. Only 4 cylinder and not hybrid. Considering they only plan to change those two parts and nothing more I thought it sounded high. They never said they were going to change anything else. I appreciate you answering my questions and taking the time.

Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help and tell a friend.

Best, Ken