Erin

I have a 2008 Suzuki Forenza with about 64,000 miles. Today I called the dealer to ask about the cost of replacing the timing belt and without even asking how many miles I had she told me that I would need a new tensioner for it. Is that normal? And wouldn't that be covered under the powertrain warranty?

"Covered powertrain components:

a) Engine: Engine cylinder block and head and all internal parts; intake manifold:

timing gears, chains, tensioners and timing cover; flywheel/flexplate; valve

covers; oil pan; oil pump; engine mounts; water pump; fuel pump, engine control

module, seals and gaskets in the powertrain system."

Category

Cars & Transportation > Maintenance & Repairs

I have a 2008 Suzuki Forenza with about 64,000 miles. Today I called the dealer to ask about the cost of replacing the timing belt and without even asking how many miles I had she told me that I would need a new tensioner for it. Is that normal? And wouldn't that be covered under the powertrain warranty?

"Covered powertrain components:

a) Engine: Engine cylinder block and head and all internal parts; intake manifold:

timing gears, chains, tensioners and timing cover; flywheel/flexplate; valve

covers; oil pan; oil pump; engine mounts; water pump; fuel pump, engine control

module, seals and gaskets in the powertrain system."

About a week ago I noticed that my passenger side wheel/tire was making a loud humming sound when driving along. It sounded like a bad tire so I had a look and that tire was wearing MUCH faster then the other tires. The wear seems to be even along that tire, I didn't notice any cupping for feathering.

Since then I have noticed that it has started to do some weird things. Like if you get in or out of the car, push down on the bumper, push the car forward, etc you can get a distinctive creaking sound. Recently when I am driving their are times the the car feels like it's being held back, almost like the parking break is on, and today I was about to leave a gas station and I forgot to disengage the parking break and when I tried to go I heard a very loud pop and grinding sound from that wheel. The car seemed fine after that but still... Occasionally I think I hear a faint popping, clicking, or ticking sound when idling but it's very faint even with the windows down.

My first thought is that it might be a wheel bearing but it's doesn't make any sounds when turning, there isn't any vibration that I can feel, and the sound of the humming seems to rise and fall with the speed of the car. I also thought about a sticking break pad or caliper but the car isn't pulling in either direction and there isn't a burning smell.