Timing Chain Tensioner

@toolmanmike scribe a line where the chain is running on the slack side, then you can see where it ends up after the next teardown. We all know chains stretch, cogs wear, etc. Even the best chains will relax a bit. My mazda runs a 3 foot timing chain over 3 of these slippers and its a roller style. Had 160,000 miles on it when I changed the chain and the slippers were still in good shape, sure they had ruts in them but the pump had no wear in it, no embedded nylon (too soft). The primary tensioner slipper had factory ruts but the guide slippers on the other side were still smooth with just a hint of where the links ran across them. If your taking chunks out of the LA tensioner, you got sharp chain endlinks or oil issues. Both can be addressed. Just inspect your chain and look for anything sharp on the thrust side of the chain and dress it down. Its really a choice you can make, no ones forcing the issue but I personally think the benefit outweigh the perceived faults.