Why does your timing belt on your Zx2 keep shredding?

Answer 1

previous answer has been left intact to point out information which is incorrect and costly if not doing these repairs yourself

the timing belt could be shredding for a number of reasons.

1 - the timing belt tensioner was not properly set. Some people have set the tensioner until they thought the belt was tight. This is not the correct way to set the tension. To set the tension properly you should first locate the part of the tensioner which is inserted into a square hole just beneath the intake cam gear. This tab will have a straight line on it. Now turn the tensioner adjuster with an allen wrench. As the tensioner adjuster is turned, the other alignment tab on the tensioner will move toward the previous part of the tensioner in the square hole. When the straight line is between the u-shaped alignment tab the tensioner will be properly aligned. At this point, hold the position so that it does not move, then tighten the bolt on the tensioner (10mm wrench).

2 - the timing pulleys are worn and require replacement. Inspect the pulleys for wear on the surfaces as well as play in them. If they are not flat and smooth on the surface, they need to be replaced. If there is play in the internal bearings, again, they need to be replaced.

The zx2 used two different timing sets depending on the date of manufacture. The early versions had a timing kit which used 3 timing pulleys. The newer version's timing kit only used two pulleys. An easy way to determine which version of timing kit is required can be done by looking at the bolt holding the timing pulley next to the tensioner pulley. If the bolt is inside the timing pulley and needs a hex attachment, then the engine uses the 3 pulleys timing set. If the bolt on the timing pulley can be accessed with a socket or box end wrench, then it uses the 2 pulley timing set.

A common weak point for the 3 pulley timing set is the lower pulley located near the crank gear. Due to its size and location, this pulley wears quickly when compared to the other pulleys. To access this 3rd pulley requires the removal of the lower crank pulley and the lower timing cover.

3 - timing set/pulleys not properly installed. It is important to install the timing kit. The two different timing kits use different sized pulleys. If the incorrect ones are used the tensioner will not be able to be properly set. It is also important to ensure that the pulleys are properly installed onto the car.

4 - the timing cover was not properly reinstalled after being removed. This part is soft plastic. If this part is not properly installed, the belt will wear grooves into it. Wear on the side of the belt may also occur

5 - the washer on the lower crank gear is bad. This should be checked when the timing belt it replaced. A bad washer will allow the crank gear to move and allow the belt to move making it possible to shred as it contacts the sides.

There may be other reasons as well, but these are the most common.

Please note: It is not necessary to replace the water pump if the timing belt is shredding. The water pump does not contact the timing belt in any way.

VV previous answer

Most of the time people only change the belt thinking that it will solve the problem. In most cases the problem is the water pump or the timing belt tensioner. The only way to solve the problem indefinitely is to buy the total timing belt kit made by gates. It is a little more pricy, but this will solve the problem most of the time. thank you Greg Stephens S&S Auto 256-442-8773