Just curious about cleaning rollers and tensioners

[RedMeanzGo]

I was just curious to see if anyone could advise me whether or not it is ok to clean my balance and timing belt rollers, and tensioners in an ultrasonic cleaner. Mine seem to be in pretty good shape, just need a good cleaning.

[Tom]

I'd be worried about stripping or compromising the lubrication in the sealed bearings. Personally, I'd just get new ones if needed.

[PSU_Crash]

I agree, submerging them like that probably won't end well. If they are still tight, then brake cleaner and a rag is the route I'd take.

[dr bob]

Fully agree with the concern about disturbing the grease sealed in the bearings. You might get a little creative and try and suspend the parts so the bearings aren't in the cleaning fluid. Otherwise clean with a little solvent and a towel.

That said, a lot of the replacement decision process includes a bit of crystal-ball speculation on how those bearings will be the next time you plan to be in there. If you've looked inside older ball bearings, you've found that the grease gradually separates into the lubricant (oil) component and the soap or wax thickener that made it into 'grease'. The oil falls out and finds its way past the seals that were intended to keep the new grease in place, leaving only the thickener.

First challenge is that we can't really determine the current condition of the grease in used bearings, short of a little destructive testing/inspection. Next is trying to determine if whatever is in the bearing now will still be sufficient in XX years when we plan to the next belts replacement. Are new rollers a good investment now if they will save you an unexpected timing belt swap in five years instead of ten? More critical, will new rollers now save you from a belt failure in five years when they might otherwise seize up and fry the belt? I just replace them, and think of it as very cheap insurance. Ditto water pumps with bearings and seals, while you are thinking it.

My too sense...

[RedMeanzGo]

Thank you all ! This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I appreciate it !!