Hey guys, once again it's time to replace the timing belt on my 2.4 03 Stratus sedan. I know there's two different designs on the timing belt tensioners but have no idea which is which (1st design and 2nd design).
Mine has an allen key slot to set the tension and the the tensioners I've always got in my kits have a 1/4 drive slot for setting the tension. I think the 1/4 drive is the newer design (2nd design) while the allen key is the first one or am I wrong? I also have an 02 Sebring 2.4 with the same tensioner as the Stratus.
I heard there's a mechanical and hydraulic tensioner as well. Or are they taking about the serpentine belt there because those also had two different tensioners, 03 was the year they switched. Also you'd have to replace the whole rear timing cover to upgrade to the 2nd design tensioner.


If anyone has any information at all on these that would be great! I just kept reusing the old one because I could never find one that fit but now my Stratus just turned over 300,000 ticks on the clock with the original timing belt tensioner from the factory so I definitely want to replace it this time around.

 

Anyone?

 

Do you still need help with this? I have an entire service book for your Stratus

 

I do have the complete set of factory service manual books for the car. They show me exactly the same tensioner that I have installed but don't mention anything about two different types.


I'm just not sure when the changeover was or what the old vs. new parts look like so I can order the right one.