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FrozenMBA
05-08-2012, 11:59 PM
the mechanic was looking around the belts because he felt vibrations, and he suspects the balancer. he pointed out that I have a missing bolt on the timing belt cover and another bolt that's loose, they are only visible when the coolant reservoir is removed. does anyone know what the loose bolt is for?

if i wanted to get the missing bolt replaced and to tighten the loose bolt, it's like the same as doing a timing belt job. i had the timing belt replaced 30K miles ago, and assume that the bolt was missing and the other was loose when i had my timing belt done last time (by a different mechanic).

missing bolt:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9592/missingbolt.jpg
By frozenmba (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/frozenmba) at 2012-05-08

loose bolt: it doesn't look like it will fall off, but it looks like it is not just holding the cover because it's too long. The loose bolt is more than 2 inches long, does anyone know what that is for?
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3540/loosebolt.jpg
By frozenmba (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/frozenmba) at 2012-05-08
oakrdrs187
05-09-2012, 12:34 AM
IIRC those 10's are just holding the cover on. So you can just replace them.

If they came loose because of vibrations it is possible the previous mechanic didn't time the balance shaft correctly. My 14mm alternator bolt nut came off once because of vibrations from the balance shaft not being timed right.
FrozenMBA
05-09-2012, 12:42 AM
in order to correct the vibration caused by the balance shaft, he's going to charge labor for a timing belt job. if that's the case, i'll have the timing belt replaced also. should i do it now or can it wait for my next timing belt replacement (around 30K more)?

will more problems arise if i don't fix this now?
oakrdrs187
05-09-2012, 02:03 AM
Problems that can arise are other bolts nuts coming loose and the infamous intake manifold cracking at the throttle body mount. You should go ahead and have your mechanic correct this and replace both the balance shaft belt and timing belt, preferably with OEM parts the only other reputable brand I would personally go with is Gates.
jubeiaire
05-09-2012, 10:59 AM
correct me if im wrong but the bolt in picture #2 (the long bolt) is going into your wheel well. if thats the bolt i think it is it i remember it bolting down inside the wheel well to hold something ....ill have to go by the shop and look at my g so if someone else can take a peakat theres and chime in......
FrozenMBA
05-09-2012, 01:22 PM
the loose bolt goes into the timing belt cover. the wheel well is what stops it from coming out completely. the pic doesn;t show it, but the bolt's head is touching the wheel well.
jubeiaire
05-09-2012, 01:51 PM
ahhh i see from the angle of the pic it looked like the bolt was coming out from the left.......ok i got it carry on now.....

personally id have the balance shaft checked to see if it is timed correctly and if not have the originall shop/mechanic compensate or fix the issue with me standing over him like a dingo watching a baby......
FrozenMBA
05-09-2012, 05:55 PM
the mechanic who did my timing belt messed up before, took 3 days, went over the estimate... When i finally got the car, there was a noise. I had them fix it and he had the nerve to ask for a "tip" for taking care of my car. One of the seals leaked after a year... I'm not going back there anymore.

Going to a Mitsu mechanic recommended by Evil-G-nius.
jubeiaire
05-09-2012, 06:57 PM
small claims court is your friend....