Just got a quote on getting the timing belt done under the 100000km service for $400, just the belt no cam seals etc. I am going to do the rest of the service myself but though it would be wise to get the belt done by a pro. One thing though, one of the other mechanics I spoke to said the tensioner should be replaced even though its only done 97000km or he wont warrant his work. The guys that are doing it for me are a genuine Mitsubishi dealer and they have said no such thing. Is the tensioner really a problem? I am thinking that seeing that I am getting it done by a mitsu dealer, if the tensioner blows it will have to be under warranty then... right?

Well, and I'm guessing, if the tensioner isn't replaced and it fails - that can hardly be the mechanic's fault and I doubt warranty would come into it.

The big issue with the Timing Belt change is the time/labour involved getting to it - and working in the confined space as well. Most critical part is putting the correct tension on the new belt.

The crankshaft and camshaft seals cost only a few dollars, and add perhaps 10-20mins extra to the job. Personally I would think it silly to have the Timing Belt changed without changing seals at the same time. After all, you would otherwsise be relying on them to last another 100K without leaks if they are not changed.

In the same vein, it pays to at least CHECK the water pump while you are in there, and be prepared to replace water pump if there is any sign of leak or hint of bearing on its way out. (In case folks don't know, the water pump sits in the valley of the V6 and belt runs over each cam and down under the water pump pulley to drive the water pump).

In my case, tension of the new belt was what I found scary - so I have driven 3 TJ-era cars from my family to Melbourne to have Mal/MadMagna do this job. And always been impressed by his approach and workmanship. In each case I had already sourced the parts required (not necessary, but Mal worked with me as I had bought the parts). In each case, water pumps were not too bad but were all replaced anyway. Also had Mal do rocker cover gaskets and sparkplug-tube seals at the same time - all cars were beginning to leak oil on rocker gaskets and into sparkplig tubes.

Mal's opinion is that the tensioner usually doesn't give problems, and in my case we never needed to replace the tensioner plunger, but DID replace seals and rollers - all comes in a Dayco or Gates timing-belt kit. Kits also available with teh tensioner included, but they were a fair bit more expensive. I found that certain Bursons stores were fairly good for prices of the kits, and for water pumps as well. Gaskets I got off E-bay from a mob on NSW mid-north coast.