Thinking about changing timing belt by myself this weekend
07-25-2009, 10:53 AM
#17
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I just did this job recently. The marks only line up before you start rotating. I'm sure they line up again at some random number of rotations but it's way up there. We went about 10 rotations in one direction and they never lined up again until we went in the opposite direction for 10 rotations.
BTW, I used a small mirror to ensure that the lower marks are lined up perfectly. With the mirror down by the grill, you can view the marks, stratight on. Oh, we also added marks to the leading edge of the belt with a silver marker...just extended the white lines on the belt.
BTW, I used a small mirror to ensure that the lower marks are lined up perfectly. With the mirror down by the grill, you can view the marks, stratight on. Oh, we also added marks to the leading edge of the belt with a silver marker...just extended the white lines on the belt.
07-25-2009, 12:33 PM
#21
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for anyone doing it in the future, take off the lower tensioner first. everything lines up much easier. i tried lining everything up with it on..lets just say i almost threw in the towel after 3 hours.
07-25-2009, 02:49 PM
#24
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07-25-2009, 02:59 PM
#25
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You might also want to change out your water pump, water pump gasket, oil pump O-ring, crank seal, timing belt tensioner, 5th idler pulley(new gen with 2 bearings), 5th idler pulley bolt, thermostat and thermostat gasket.. You are already in there with everything apart...
Last edited by Ballz; 07-25-2009 at 07:51 PM.
07-25-2009, 06:25 PM
#26
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In regards to the above post, I actually removed not only the tensioner until the end but I also took off the smallest roller on the upper right so I could have more slack. After all idlers were changed, I put on the belt, tensioner then the small roller. Took me about 12 hours total b/c I forgot (looks like another thread poster also did this) that one of the idlers has been superceded so you will actually have two of the same idlers even though what's coming off of the car are two different idlers.
In any case, it's easy and only took me 12 hours b/c I was cautiously slow, detailed and redid it twice (not to mention stuck b/c I wasn't sure if the timing marks were always going to match on the belt/gears after some revolutions). I'd highly recommend getting two 10mm allen wrenches b/c the rachet/hex socket combo will freely spin the cam gears if you go too far. I suppose I could probably do it in less than 3 hours the next time around.
As for parts replacement, I replaced the T-belt with the supposedly stronger Gates belt, tensioner, water pump, thermostat, all rollers and idlers. Parts cost was about $320. A big time waster is actually filling the coolant. I should have filled it from the upper radiator hose rather than from the radiator cap and then topped it off from the radiator cap.
For those looking to do this yourself, as long as you have the mechanical aptitude and the patience, it is very doable at home with relatively basic tools (a helper is always a plus).
07-25-2009, 11:11 PM
#28
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You should refill at the turbo coolant resevoir with the motor running to make sure all bubbles are removed. Also, instead of the allen you suggested, you can use a socket on a breaker bar...that's what I used anyway.
07-25-2009, 11:14 PM
#29
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Its not too bad if you are mechanically inclined and take your time doing it. Definitely take out the radiator to get more space to work. I don't know how people are able to use impact wrench to break the crank pulley bolt loose. I took the radiator out and bought like 3 different impact wrenches but they were all too big to fit in the space. I think if you used a 3/8 impact wrench with a regular socket or if you had a small 1/2 impact wrench with a regular(non-impact) socket you might have enough room. I was able to get mine off by using a breaker bar with a cheater(jack handle) Hardest part would probably be getting the timing belt back on and making sure everything is lined up. Having this tool makes it almost idiot proof. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog
