Flennor belts

[Cozi]

Just got a timing belt from Vick Autosports. It's a Flennor. Found several complaints regarding fitment issues when I googled them. Any bad experiences out there on Spiders? Also, any tips on replacing the tensioner bearing?

[NCArachnid]

Just did this on my 1600, very do-able even for a novice like me. The belt from Vick's fit like a glove. To replace the bearing you must remove the pivoting bearing carrier by prying the spring end out and removing the bolt. I had to pry a little to get it loose from the block. I tapped the old bearing out with a hammer and pressed the new one on with a vice. To get the spring back in place, I found a pair of brake spring pliers very helpful. Refer to the manual or the many threads about timing belt replacement for the tips and tricks on getting it all lined up properly.

If your bearing is crunchy like mine was, you will be glad you changed it.

[Cozi]

Thanks for the tips. Turns out the water pump was making the major part of the racket I was hearing. Will be picking up a pump from NAPA Tuesday a.m. Used the vice, socket, and hammer method to drift out the old tensioner bearing. The belt fit very neatly. I was kinda shaken by how easy it was to peel the teeth off the old one. Those are dice you just DO NOT roll....

[courtenay]

Based on my experience, I'd strongly suggest you replace the bolts that hold the water pump on when you replace the pump. I had an old one break off in the block when I tried to tighten it.