Timing Belt Parts Needed for Full Replacement and Water Pump

Tiny
NATHAN LEHMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I want to pay to get my timing belt and water pump replaced. However, I want to purchase all of my own auto parts in order to get this job done. What are all the parts needed in order to do this job on my car? 

I am looking at a new timing belt replacement kit online that includes the following: "timing belt kit with seals. Includes: Timing belt, balance shaft belt, camshaft belt tensioner, camshaft belt idler, balance shaft tensioner (hydraulic actuator not Included), two camshaft seals, crankshaft seal, pre-assembly seal lubricant; water pump driven by timing belt, interference engine". 

Is it necessary to get all of these in order to do a thorough job? Or would I need to purchase a timing belt idler pulley and a timing belt tensioner as well? This kit plus these two belts is still more affordable than this second kit.

There is an alternative timing belt kit that I found online, which includes: "applications include interference fit engines; kit contains: Timing belt, tensioner pulley, idler pulley (if applicable), hydraulic damper (if applicable), water pump and gasket, balance shaft seal (if applicable), camshaft seal."

Would it be better to purchase this second kit, which is more expensive than the first kit plus the timing belt idler pulley and tensioner? Is the hydraulic damper and water pump gasket necessary? My car is past its half-life but still on the original timing belt and I do not believe any of the other parts have been replaced, like the balance shaft belt and tensioner and the damshaft belt tensioner and idler. 

I am looking to save money any way possible, but I want the job to be done well.

Thank you, I appreciate any answers! Sorry for all the questions, any feedback would be very helpful. 
Thursday, July 7th, 2016 AT 1:59 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
What you want is if you are not going to do the job find a mechanic that will use your parts to replace them. Then buy a kit either Dayco or GAtes which includes all the parts you'll need to do it. You do want to replace the tensioner. The reason being is that you replace them now so something else doesn't break then you have to do it all over again. You also buy the parts that FIT YOUR car not just a generic kit.
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Thursday, July 7th, 2016 AT 4:15 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,642 POSTS
Hey Nathan,

Here is everything you need from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007P74A2U/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B007P74A2U&linkId=1087aa4e05e6856e4795e01dd472cb8a

Let us know how it goes.

Best, Ken
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Thursday, July 7th, 2016 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,411 POSTS
Agree with Ken but only set back for you will be that there wont be any warranty on the job if you supply your own parts. With aftermarket parts have seen the water pump start leaking prematurely. So that is a gamble you will take. And yes, it is better you do it all now once the vehicle has been torn down for the job.
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Thursday, July 7th, 2016 AT 7:12 PM

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